UNCLASSIFIED (U)

12 FAM 550

sECURITY INCIDENT PROGRAM

(CT:DS-419;   09-28-2023)
(Office of Origin:  DS/IS/APD)

12 FAM 551  GENERAL

12 FAM 551.1  Purpose

(CT:DS-378;   02-24-2022)

The purpose of the Security Incident Program is to enhance the protection of Department information and information systems by identifying, assessing, and assigning responsibility for failures to safeguard Department information and information systems in accordance with applicable laws and Department policies.

12 FAM 551.2  Applicability

(CT:DS-378;   02-24-2022)

This program applies to all Department personnel as well as other U.S. Government personnel under chief of mission (COM) authority abroad including any of the aforementioned who do not possess a security clearance.  Additionally, it applies to all Department information system users and any person authorized for logical access to Department information systems.

12 FAM 551.3  Authorities

(CT:DS-398;   02-24-2023)

a. Relevant Federal authorities include:

(1)  Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986, Public Law 99-399; 22 U.S.C. 4801, et seq. (1986), as amended;

(2)  Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (1984), 18 U.S.C. § 1030, as amended;

(4)  Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. § 552a;

(5)  Executive Order 13526, Classified National Security Information, December 29, 2009;

(6)  Executive Order 13231, Critical Infrastructure Protection in the Information Age (2001), as amended by Executive Order 13286 (2003);

(7)  Executive Order 13800, Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure, May 11, 2017; and

(8)  National Security Decision Directive 298 (NSDD-298), National Operations Security Program

b. Relevant FAM sections include, but may not be limited to:

(1)  3 FAM 4000, Employee Relations, including provisions in 3 FAM 4172 regarding employee obligations, rights, and liabilities;

(2)  3 FAM 7700, LE Staff Benefits, Disciplinary Actions and Separations

(3)  5 FAM 700, Internet and Intranet Use;

(4)  5 FAM 800, Information Systems Management;

(5) 5 FAM 1060, Information Assurance Management;

(6)  12 FAM 226.7-4, Unauthorized Disclosures;

(7)  12 FAM 510, Safeguarding National Security and Other Sensitive Information;

(8)  12 FAM 530, Storing and Safeguarding Classified Material;

(9)  12 FAM 540, Sensitive But Unclassified Information (SBU);

(10) 12 FAM 600, Information Security Technology;

(11)      

(12) 12 FAM 710, Security Policy for Sensitive Compartmented Information

(12) 12 FAH-10, Information Systems Security Controls; and

(13) 12 FAH-6, Overseas Security Policy Board (OSPB) Security Standards.

12 FAM 552  Classified security incidents

(CT:DS-378;   02-24-2022)

a. Classified security incidents relate to the mishandling of classified information or misuse of classified Department systems.

b. A classified security incident occurs when there has been a knowing, willful, or negligent action contrary to the requirements of Executive Order 13526 or Department policies for safeguarding classified information.

c.  A classified security incident may be adjudicated as a violation or an infraction based on whether it could reasonably be expected to result in an unauthorized disclosure of classified information.

12 FAM 552.1  Examples of Classified Security Incidents

(CT:DS-398;   02-24-2023)

a. This section contains examples of classified security incidents, in accordance with 12 FAM 500, that affect the protection of classified information.  The examples are illustrative and indicate the wide range of possible security incidents in this area. 

b. Examples of classified security incidents include, but are not limited to:

(1)  Failing to properly escort, i.e., maintaining continuous visual and/or physical control over uncleared personnel (e.g., uncleared visitors or janitorial/maintenance personnel) in an area where classified information is processed, discussed, viewed, or stored, or allowing improper access to Department controlled facilities (see 12 FAM 534.1);

(2)  Taking classified material out of the building without proper double-wrap protection (see 14 FAM 733.3 and 14 FAH-4 H-320);

(3)  Crossing international borders with classified material without courier authorization (see 12 FAM 536.9-1);

(4)  Failing to secure containers with classified material (see 12 FAM 539.1 paragraph e);

(5)  Storing classified materials in desk drawers or other improper containers (e.g., a non-barlock file cabinet) (see 12 FAM 539.1 paragraph h);

(6)  Reading classified material in any public area (see 12 FAM 536.9-4 paragraph e);

(7)  Transmitting classified material on unclassified facsimile machines (see 12 FAM 536.9-2 and 536.9-3);

(8)  Losing control of classified material by leaving it in non-secure areas (e.g., hotel rooms, taxis, or restaurants) (see 12 FAM 533.1 and 534.1);

(9)  Discussing classified information on unsecure telephones or areas not authorized for classified discussions (see 12 FAM 536.8 paragraph c); and

(10) Failing to perform daily checks on supplemental entry verification systems (SEV) (see 12 FAH-6 H-311.11 paragraph d, H-312.11 paragraph d, H-313.11 paragraph d, and H-314.11 paragraph d).

12 FAM 552.2  Classified Security Incidents Involving Information Systems

(CT:DS-398;   02-24-2023)

a. This subsection contains examples of security incidents, in accordance with 12 FAM 600, that affect the protection of classified information with respect to information systems.  The examples are illustrative and indicate the wide range of possible security incidents in this area.

b. Examples of classified security incidents involving information systems include, but are not limited to:

(1)  Failure to remove and properly secure media, such as classified data storage media (e.g., flash drive, USB storage drive, hard drives, CD ROM; see 12 FAM 632.1-6 paragraph a);

(2)  Failure to prevent uncleared persons from viewing a classified screen and/or printer output (see 12 FAM 633.2-2);

(3)  Improper storage of passwords to classified automated information systems (see 12 FAM 632.1-4 paragraph k);

(4)  Unauthorized connectivity between classified and unclassified hardware (e.g., modems, central processing units, printers, and switch boxes) (see 12 FAH-10 H-272.16); and

(5)  Introducing classified information or media into an unclassified system (see 12 FAM 635, for authorized exception).

12 FAM 552.3  Special Category of Security Violations

(CT:DS-378;   02-24-2022)

a. The Department’s communications security (COMSEC) incident program, including its reporting procedures, is in 5 FAH-6 H-530

b. The Program Applications Division (DS/IS/APD) evaluates all COMSEC incident reports and renders an adjudication based on evidence of the degree of national security information compromised.  DS/IS/APD provides a copy of the notification letter to the Cryptographic Services Branch.

c.  Although the COMSEC program's administrative aspects (e.g., timely accounting of inventories) are important, failure to perform such aspects will not be investigated as a security violation or infraction under the security incident program when there is no evidence of a direct effect on the system's security.

12 FAM 553  Unclassified Security Incidents

(CT:DS-378;   02-24-2022)

a. Unclassified security incidents under this chapter relate to misuse of unclassified Department systems or mishandling of Sensitive/SBU or otherwise administratively controlled information.  Incidents involving the mishandling of classified information or misuse of classified Department systems are addressed under 12 FAM 554, Reporting of Security Incidents.

b. An unclassified security incident occurs when there has been a contravention of any published Department policy, procedure or acceptable use guidelines and that contravention represents a failure to safeguard Department information or information systems, resulting in actual or elevated risk of damage to Department information systems, or actual or elevated risk of compromise or loss of control of administratively controlled Department information.

c.  An unclassified security incident may be adjudicated as a violation or an infraction based on the risk and magnitude of the harm to Department information or information systems or the risk of harm to affected individuals.

12 FAM 553.1  Unclassified Security Infractions

(CT:DS-378;   02-24-2022)

An unclassified security infraction is an incident involving a contravention of law or Department policy that does not result in actual damage to Department information systems, or actual compromise or loss of control of administratively controlled Department information.  Infractions are often committed inadvertently but may still put the information or information system at risk.  Examples of unclassified security infractions include but are not limited to:

(1)  Malware:  A user unintentionally downloads malware to a Department information system but no harm results;

(2)  Passwords:

(a)  A user shares his or her Department password and no harm results;

(b)  A system administrator sets a non-compliant password for a general user;

(c)  A user writes down their password and does not secure it properly (e.g., leaves in desk, tapes to monitor);

(d)  A user tries to learn another user’s password by watching a user type their password; and

(e)  A user stores Department password on a Department information system of the same classification, but no harm results.

(3)  Information:

(a)  An individual unintentionally leaves an SBU or personally identifiable information (PII) document in a public space (e.g., airport, restaurant);

(b)  A user intentionally changes file permissions on a SBU or PII document to allow an unauthorized user access; and

(c)  A user attempts to obtain unauthorized access to data he/she is not authorized to view. 

(4)  Baseline:  A user or system administrator performs an unauthorized change to the configuration baseline (e.g., downloads software to OpenNet that has not been approved by the Configuration Change Board (CCB));

(5)  Other:

(a)  A user plugs an unapproved USB into a Department network and no harm results;

(b)  A user uses their ClassNet account for personal use; and

(c)  A user engages in personal use of Department information systems in contravention of established policy.

12 FAM 553.2  Unclassified Security Violations

(CT:DS-398;   02-24-2023)

An unclassified security violation is an incident involving a contravention of law or Department policy resulting in actual or imminent damage to Department information systems, or compromise or loss of control of administratively controlled Department information.  Violations are often committed knowingly, willfully, or negligently.  Examples of unclassified security violations include but are not limited to:

(1)  Malware:

(a)  A user unknowingly downloads malware to a Department information system, resulting in harm;

(b)  A user knowingly downloads malware to a Department information system, regardless if harm results; and

(c)  A user knowingly causes the transmission of a program, information, code, or command, and because of such conduct causes damage (i.e., compromises integrity, availability) to a Department information system.

(2)  Passwords:

(a)  A user shares a Department information system password and this results in damage to the system or compromises information;

(b)  A system administrator sets a non-compliant password for a system administrator account or uses the same password for multiple Department accounts (e.g., for their OpenNet and administrator accounts);

(c)  A user who has elevated privileges (e.g., system administrators or users with access to restricted applications) on their account writes down the password and does not secure it properly (e.g., leaves in desk, tapes to monitor);

(d)  A user stores Department password on a Department information system, resulting in harm; and

(e)  A user stores Department password for a classified information system on a Department unclassified information system.

(3)  Information:

(a)  An individual intentionally or negligently misuses a bureau or office resource (e.g., the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) database) which places PII at risk in violation of policies in place for that resource;

(b)  An individual engages in a deliberate or negligent action that results in the unauthorized disclosure or loss of control of administratively controlled information;

(c)  A user knowingly discards SBU or PII hardcopy documents without shredding them; and

(d)  A user accesses data without authorization from the appropriate data owner or investigative authority.

(4)  Baseline:  A user or system administrator performs an unauthorized change to the configuration baseline (e.g., downloads software to OpenNet without CCB approval), and that action results in harm.

(5)  Unauthorized access:

(a)  A system administrator or user attempts to intentionally bypass Department information system security software without proper authorization;

(b)  A user removes, replaces, or physically tampers with Department hardware/software without proper authorization;

(c)  A user logs into another user’s account without their knowledge or without proper authorization;

(d)  A user knowingly accesses a Department information system without proper authorization;

(e)  A user knowingly exceeds their access level on a Department information system; and

(f)   A user intentionally accesses a Department information system without authorization and as a result of such conduct causes damage and/or loss.

(6)  Other: A user plugs an unapproved USB into a Department network and this results in damage to the system or equipment or compromises information.

12 FAM 554  Reporting Security Incidents

(CT:DS-398;   02-24-2023)

a. Reporting potential security incidents is the responsibility of every individual with access to information within the Department or a Department information system.  When Department personnel or other U.S. Government personnel under COM authority become aware of an improper security practice that may result in a security incident, they must report their concern to the DS/IS/APD, either via the regional security officer (RSO) (if abroad) or via the bureau security officer (BSO) (if domestic).  Timely reporting is imperative so that remedial action may be taken.  Reporting to DS/IS/APD ensures that all potential security incidents can be properly investigated and adjudicated.  This does not supersede any other reporting obligations, such as requirements for certain incidents involving Department systems to be reported to the information systems security officer (ISSO) in accordance with 12 FAM 623.8 and 12 FAH-10 H-242.5.

b. Security incidents may also be detected and reported in the following manner:

(1)  During the normal course of their duties, ISSOs will report anomalies and other suspicious activities to the Cyber Incident Response Team (DS/CIRT).  DS/IS/APD coordinates daily with the DS/CIRT, collecting and analyzing their data to determine which events should be investigated as potential security incidents.  When potential security incidents are identified, DS/IS/APD will contact the appropriate RSO or BSO and advise them to initiate a security investigation;

(2)  When the RSO or BSO identifies a possible security incident, they must immediately notify DS/IS/APD and, when appropriate, the ISSO, to initiate a security incident investigation; and

(3)  When the ISSO identifies a possible security incident they must immediately notify the RSO or BSO, as appropriate, and the Bureau of Information Resources Management Directorate of Cyber Operations and the CIRT.  Regional computer security officers may also report potential security incidents to the ISSO and/or RSO, as appropriate.

c.  Incidents that are required by Federal mandate to be reported to the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center are reported in accordance with 12 FAH-10 H-240.

12 FAM 554.1  Reporting Security Incidents Involving Non Department Employees and Contractors

(CT:DS-378;   02-24-2022)

a. Report security incidents involving employees of other Federal agencies or organizations and/or their contractors in the same manner as described in 12 FAM 554 paragraph a and b.  The RSOs abroad report such security incidents on Forms OF-117 and OF-118 and send the forms to DS/IS/APD.  DS/IS/APD coordinates any further investigation necessary to complete the report of findings.  DS/IS/APD must forward this report to the parent agency of the employee allegedly responsible for the incident, and the parent agency handles the adjudication and disposition.

b. Report security incidents involving Department contractors in the same manner as described in 12 FAM 554 (a) and (b), except DS/IS/APD forwards Forms OF-117 and OF-118 to the employer and sends a copy of each form to the DS Office of Information Security’s Industrial Security Division (DS/IS/IND).

12 FAM 554.2  Security Inspections

(CT:DS-378;   02-24-2022)

a. Cleared U.S. citizen security personnel designated by the Program Applications Division (DS/IS/APD), RSOs, Marine security guards, and/or U.S. citizen contract guards are responsible for conducting security inspections to ensure that classified information is properly protected.

b. Cleared security personnel must conduct such security inspections routinely for all offices, buildings, or other facilities that come under the jurisdiction of the Department worldwide, except those exempted under interagency agreements.

c.  During regular business hours, employees have authority to lock desks and credenzas to secure personal items.  After regular business hours, employees must not lock desks, bookcases, and credenzas unless the inspecting security office has a master key that affords access to perform security inspections.

12 FAM 555  Investigating and Processing Security Incidents

(CT:DS-398;   02-24-2023)

a. The RSO (abroad) or BSO (domestically), or DS/IS/APD if no BSO has been assigned by APD, herein referred to as “the investigator,” will investigate potential security incidents.  The investigator may require technical assistance from the ISSO, system manager, the Directorate for Cyber and Technology Security (DS/CTS) or others.  The investigation will attempt to determine:

(1)  If a potential criminal act or instance of serious employee misconduct has occurred (in which case the matter will immediately be referred to the relevant DS Office);

(2)  The validity of the incident (does it meet the definition of an unclassified security incident or classified security incident as defined in 12 FAM 013);

(3)  The gravity of the incident;

(4)  Mitigating and aggravating factors; and

(5)  Identity of individual(s) suspected of the incident ("suspected individual").

b. In investigations where an investigator seeks to interview an employee who is a member of a collective bargaining unit for which a union representative has exclusive representation rights, and the employee reasonably believes that the interview may result in disciplinary action against him/her, the employee may request that such representative be included in the interview and the investigating official shall comply.  This right is known as the Weingarten Right.  When the employee invokes the Weingarten Right, the investigating official will allow a reasonable amount of time for a union representative to attend the interview.

c.  When the investigator has collected sufficient information to conclude the investigation:

(1)  The investigator will prepare a Form OF-118, Record of Incident, completing Part 1A or 1B (as applicable) in its entirety;

(2)  The investigator will present the Form OF-118 to the suspected individual for execution of their portion of Part 2 – Statement of Person Suspected of Incident and their signature.  At that time, the investigator will discuss the contents of the form and potential ramifications.  Form OF-118 allows the suspected individual to provide any mitigating factors, such as lack of culpability, which they believe would be pertinent to the adjudication process;

(3)  The suspected individual shall return the signed Form OF-118 to the investigator as soon as possible, but not later than three working days.  If the suspected individual fails or refuses to sign the form within three working days, the investigator will document this fact in the security officer comments on Form OF-118 Part 3 - Comments of Unit/Post/Regional Security Officer; and

(4)  The investigator will then give the Form OF-118 to the suspected individual’s immediate supervisor for review and signature within three working days.

d. After the supervisor has signed and returned the form:

(1)  The investigator will complete Part 3; reporting the results of the investigation in a brief summary, indicating whether the suspected individual should be a held accountable for this incident; and

(2)  The investigator will submit their investigative findings, any additional supporting documentation, and the Form OF-118 to DS/IS/APD for adjudication.

e. At a constituent post, the post security officer (PSO) may perform these duties on behalf of the RSO and forward all investigative documentation and the Form OF-118 to the responsible RSO.

f.  The investigator must provide a copy of the completed Form OF-118 to the individual(s) suspected of the incident.

12 FAM 556  Evaluation of Security Incidents

(CT:DS-419;   09-28-2023)

a. Once the investigator has concluded the investigation, they will provide the completed OF-118 and all related information to DS/IS/APD for adjudication.

b. DS/IS/APD evaluates and adjudicates all reported security incidents to determine:

(1)  Whether the reported incident is valid;

(2)  Whether the reported incident constitutes an infraction or violation;

(3)  Whether the reported incident requires additional documentation or coordinating action; and

(4)  Whether the individual suspected of the incident is culpable.

c.  Adjudication has three possible outcomes: valid, unfounded, and valid but not culpable.  DS/IS/APD performs the final adjudication of all security incident investigations, including administrative (i.e., non-criminal) investigations that the Office of Inspector General conducts and investigations conducted by other DS investigative entities involving the possible or actual failure to protect classified national security information.  This requirement is not meant to include cases presented to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution.  After DS/IS/APD's affirmative adjudication that an employee committed a valid security incident, DS/IS/APD initiates any 12 FAM 558 administrative action when required.

d. A basic premise for adjudication is to hold individuals responsible for their actions.  However, in certain incidents, DS/IS/APD's adjudication may include having supervisors and/or system owners held responsible for failing to provide effective organizational security procedures.  This might occur, for example, when abnormal conditions interrupt routine security procedures and supervisors  and/or system owners do not implement remedial controls, or when the incident relates to controls that are not normally the sole responsibility of an individual.

e. When the security incident investigation does not warrant implicating a specific individual, DS/IS/APD may still adjudicate the incident as valid without holding a specific individual accountable, provided that:

(1)  Mitigating circumstances generally prevent narrowing responsibility to an individual; and

(2)  The DS/IS/APD chief approves this type of adjudication.

f.  Upon completion of the adjudication, DS/IS/APD will notify in writing the culpable individual(s) of the adjudication results specific to them, as well as appeal options.  DS/IS/APD will also notify the appropriate RSO, BSO, or principal unit security officer (PUSO), who will provide a copy of the adjudication to the individual’s supervisor.

g. Incidents involving potential criminal activity such as the deliberate introduction of risk or damage to Department information systems or networks or any other criminal act, or deliberate or negligent contraventions of the Privacy Act of 1974, will be immediately forwarded to the Office of Special Investigation (DS/DO/OSI) for consideration and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

12 FAM 557  Appeals

(CT:DS-378;   02-24-2022)

a. An individual found culpable in a valid security incident may appeal either the validity of the incident or their culpability in the incident by submitting the appeal to the division chief, DS/IS/APD.  This appeal request must be submitted in writing within 10 working days after receiving written notification of the DS/IS/APD adjudication decision.  An individual may request an extension of time in which to submit an appeal, but that extension request must be submitted within the 10-working day timeframe.

    NOTE: The statement provided on form OF-118 is considered pre-adjudicative and considered part of the investigation.  It does not constitute an appeal even if it states an intent to appeal.

b. DS/IS/APD will forward for decision any appeal along with the complete investigative record to the director of the Office of Information Security (DS/SI/IS).  The director of DS/SI/IS will provide a final decision and no further appeals are available.

12 FAM 558  Referrals for DISCIPLINARY and personnel Security Action

12 FAM 558.1  Referral for Actions Related to Infractions (U.S. Direct Hire Employees)

(CT:DS-378;   02-24-2022)

a. Upon adjudication of a valid security infraction(s), and affirmation of that adjudication following any appeal, DS/IS/APD will take the following actions:

(1)  If the infraction is the employee’s first incident (which includes both infractions and violations; see 12 FAM 552 paragraph c and 12 FAM 553. paragraph c) in the current five-year moving window (see 12 FAM 013 for definition), DS/IS/APD will send a letter of notification to the employee, requiring a signed reply acknowledging that the employee understands the policies contravened in the incident and the potential consequences of future security incidents, including referral to the Bureau of Global Talent Management (GTM) for appropriate disciplinary action, and the DS Office of Personnel Security and Suitability (DS/SI/PSS) for action relating to the employee’s security clearance.  The RSO or PSO abroad, or BSO, PUSO, or unit security officer (USO) domestically, must ensure the employee receives appropriate remedial security instruction;

(2)  If the infraction is the employee’s second incident (infraction or violation) in the current five-year window, the Office of Information Security (DS/SI/IS) will send a letter to the employee that describes the actions DS and GTM will take in the event of future security incidents.  This requires a signed reply from the employee indicating they understand the respective policies and consequences of future security incidents.  The RSO or PSO abroad, or BSO or USO domestically, must provide the employee with an additional appropriate security briefing;

(3)  If the infraction is the employee’s third (or more) incident (infraction or violation) in the current five-year window, DS/IS/APD will refer the complete security incident history of a Department Foreign Service (FS) or Civil Service (CS) employee to:

(a)  The GTM Office of Employee Relations (GTM/ER) for appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with 3 FAM 4300 or 3 FAM 4500; and

(b)  DS/SI/PSS for action relating to the employee’s security clearance.  DS/SI/PSS may issue a letter of notification, review the security clearance of the individual, and/or suspend or revoke the individual’s security clearance.

    NOTE:  As set forth in 12 FAM 558.2, the final adjudication (and affirmation of that adjudication following any appeal) of a single violation will result in referral of an individual’s complete security incident history to GTM/ER and DS/SI/PSS; only infractions require three incidents (infractions or violations) within the five-year window to trigger referral.

12 FAM 558.2  Referral for Actions Related to Violations (U.S. Direct Hire Employees)

(CT:DS-378;   02-24-2022)

a. Upon adjudication of any valid security violation, and affirmation of that adjudication following any appeal, DS/IS/APD will refer the complete security incident history of a Department FS or CS employee to:

(1)  GTM/ER for appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with 3 FAM 4300 or 3 FAM 4500; and

(2)  DS/SI/PSS for action relating to the employee’s security clearance.  DS/SI/PSS may issue a letter of notification, review the security clearance of the violator, and/or suspend or revoke the violator’s security clearance.

12 FAM 558.3  Referral for Actions Related to Security Incidents Locally Employed (LE) Staff

(CT:DS-398;   02-24-2023)

For LE Staff and locally hired-third party contractors, DS/IS/APD will refer the complete security incident history to post’s HR officer for appropriate disciplinary action.  This security incident history will be sent to the RSO for appropriate action regarding the staff's LE Staff's security certification.  Discipline should be consistent with 3 FAM 7720, 7730, and local law.

12 FAM 558.4  Referral for Actions Related to Security Incidents (Other Agencies’ Employees)

(CT:DS-378;   02-24-2022)

Security incidents involving employees of other Federal agencies or organizations or their contractors are reported, investigated, and adjudicated in the same manner as described for Department employees in 12 FAM 556.  DS/IS/APD will notify the individual’s parent agency of any valid adjudication.

12 FAM 558.5  Referral for Actions Related to Security Incidents Personal Services Contractors (PSC) and Third Party Contractors (TPC)

(CT:DS-378;   02-24-2022)

a. Security incidents involving PSCs and TPCs are reported, investigated, and adjudicated in the same manner as described for Department employees in 12 FAM 556.  DS/IS/APD will notify DS/SI/PSS and the Industrial Security Division (DS/IS/IND) of any valid adjudication.

b. DS/IS/IND will advise the Department’s contracting officer's representative of the nature and seriousness of the incident and provide details of any derogatory information to the cognizant security clearance investigative authority.

12 FAM 559  ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION FRAMEWORK: Record Keeping

(CT:DS-398;   02-24-2023)

a. DS/IS/APD will maintain incident investigation and adjudication files and documentation on all security incidents, including records of involved individuals.  Information from these files will be made available to the Director General of the Foreign Service and director of Global Talent Management or other appropriate Department officials with a need-to-know for deliberation of nominations or other personnel decisions.  Security incident information will be included in background investigation reports on candidates for Presidential appointments and may be disseminated to others consistent with the Privacy Act and other governing law.  DS/IS/APD will retain these records in accordance with Department Records Disposition Schedules and U.S. National Archives and Records Administration requirements.

b. At posts abroad, the RSO will retain a record of local staff security incidents in their security certification investigative file or in resolve. 

c.  An individual’s security incident history may result in the curtailment of a current assignment or denial of future assignments.

d. Foreign Service Selection Boards receive a copy of the current security incident history report for each employee competing for promotion to grade FS-01 and above, senior performance pay, and/or Presidential awards.  The report is limited to incidents adjudicated as valid that occurred within the previous 5-year period.  The senior coordinator for Security Infrastructure (DS/SI) provides the entire history to the Office of the Director General for Presidential nominations.  Data provided for each incident is limited to:

(1)  A tracking number;

(2)  Office or post where the incident took place;

(3)  Name of the employee involved in the incident;

(4)  Whether the incident was an infraction or a violation;

(5)  Date and time of the incident;

(6)  Date Diplomatic Security (DS) completed the Form OF-118, Report of Incident;

(7)  Status of the incident;

(8)  Level of classified material involved; and

(9)  A brief description of the incident, e.g., unsecured documents or unsecured hard drive.

e. Department and tenant agency employees and contractors may request a copy of their entire security incident history, at any time, via the “Service Now” Portal.  If OpenNet access is unavailable, requests may also be submitted to APD via email to DSAPD@state.gov.

 

UNCLASSIFIED (U)