As many individuals are aware of there has always been common problems or “bugs” with JPAS and ISFD.  DSS continues to implement corrective actions for these issues but consistently result in down time for Industry.  Since this will never change for Industry the best we can do is figure out workarounds to ensure we are meeting the goals of our organizations without disrupting workflow while meeting NISPOM requirements.  

 

One new problem that has been occurring with JPAS and ISFD is the systems sometimes display a message of “Unauthorized Access” when you go the web links for JPAS and ISFD.  This can cause significant problems when Industry cannot access their clearance information and or verify individual’s clearances or organizations clearances.  This common occurring problem however, is not with the Government systems; it is with the individual user’s browser cookies. 

 

To resolve this problem to ensure your continued access to these systems you should periodically right click on your internet explorer link, go to the properties and delete your browser history and cookies.  This will effectively ensure that you can continue to proceed to the JPAS and ISFD websites. 

 

The new eFCL system for industry is pretty straight forward.  It allows industry to keep updated Facility Clearance Records on file with DSS and also allows new Organizations just being sponsored into the NISP to submit their Facility Clearance paperwork electronically.  Although DSS has come out with this new tool it does not preclude industry from maintaining or providing DSS with original signatures for DD Form 441’s and SF 328’s. 

 

This system also has generated a lot of questions from Industry.  One main question is “Do I have to upload all of my DD Form 254’s into the system?”  This question affects many large contractors that could have upwards of 500 DD Form 254s.  The answer that was given during the NCMS National Capital Region meeting was “No.  You only have to upload DD Form 254’s that authorize access to “Proscribed Information.”  “Proscribed Information is defined as Top Secret, COMSEC (except classified keys used for data transfer), RD, SAP or SCI. 

 

Another item to note about eFCL is each organization’s eFCL account may require difference documents to be managed in the system.  Items such as exclusion resolutions and the exclusion management tool must be turned on by your local DSS IS Rep. 

 

This system like all systems continues to have its bugs as well.  If you are receiving a message when trying to save the electronic exclusion resolution form that reads “Future Date not authorized” for the you have to call the DoD Helpdesk and they will enter the correct date in there for you until the problem is resolved.