Security Personnel
Resume:
Robin Farmer
Personnel Security Specialist
PO Box 3481 - Laurel, MD 20709
******@**********.*** - 240-***-****
For 20+ years, I have worked in the personnel security field. I have reviewed and analyzed all categories
of Personnel Security Investigations in order to make a collateral or SCI access eligibility determinations. I
possess in-depth knowledge of personnel adjudicative standards and all the thought processes that establish
a nexus between behavior and security risk.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Lead/Personnel Security Specialist
TekPro - February 2014 to Present
As a Contractor, Personnel Security Specialist for the Department of Justice/Executive Office for Immigration
Review (EOIR, determines the suitability of individuals for entry and retention in sensitive and non-sensitive
positions under 5 Code Federal regulations 731. Assesses the loyalty, reliability, suitability and trustworthiness
of applicants for Federal and/or contractor positions.
I have extensive knowledge of the investigative scope, techniques and procedures of various types of
investigations conducted by the DIS, OPM, FBI, DOJ, State Department and AFOSI.
Schedules the background investigations with the Office of Personnel Management. Reviews, evaluates and
adjudicates reports of investigation, personnel files, and other records to determine whether to grant, deny,
revoke, suspend or restrict building access consistent with suitability guidelines.
Receives, reviews and track requests for security investigations; reviewing cases for necessary forms,
derogatory, missing or inconsistent information; and providing recommendations for the adjudication of security
clearances.
Verify the appropriate level of background investigation being requested, and ensures all documents required
for suitability processing have been completed and included in the individual file(s). Receives telephone
calls and greets visitors to the office. Prepares, submits, monitors, and updates computer tracking system
concerning appropriate case material. Serves as a source of reference and guidance for staff members
regarding the monitoring and maintenance of case-material.
Participation in the development of policies, guidelines, procedures and emerging personnel security
requirements.
Review/analyze the Pre-Screen Questionnaire for derogatory information that adversely reflects individual's
loyalty or character.
Conduct and interpret Joint Personnel Adjudicative System (JPAS), Justice Security Tracking and Adjudication
Records System (JSTARS), PIPS and the Defense Central Investigative Index (DCII) inquiries. Perform data
entry into the JSTARS database system.
Interprets applicable regulations and procedures concerning personnel security. Assign work to subordinates
based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty, the requirements of the assignment, and the
capability of employees. Evaluate performance of subordinates. Provides advice, counsel, or instruction to
employees on both performance and administrative matters.
Responsible for obtaining, tracking, verifying, and monitoring background clearances required to authorize
issuance of Personal Identity Verification (PIV)- compliant identity credentials pursuant to Homeland
Security Presidential Directive HSPD-12. Ensures that background checks are initiated for all employees
and contractors in conformance with established regulations and timeframes and that personnel security
documentation is completed for each employee or contractor.
Track the status of outstanding investigations and is responsible for coordinating the review and close-out
activities for each investigation received from OPM.
Personnel Security Specialist
VIP - Alexandria, VA - January 2013 to May 2013
Served as a Personnel Security Specialist for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Professional Staff Clearance
Unit, Team 3. Reviewed security forms to identify the presence or absence of derogatory information, evaluated
the impact of various kinds of derogatory information on the granting or denying of security clearances and
federal employment eligibility, and making Entrance on Duty determinations for applicants.
Assured the loyalty, reliability, suitability and trustworthiness of applicants, who work with, will work with, or
have access to sensitive or classified information and materials. Conducted pre-employment records checks,
and other investigative functions required to determine the suitability of individuals applying for a National
Security position.
Reviewed the Tri-Bureau Credit Report generated by the three major agencies: Experian, Equifax and Trans
Union to determine the applicant’s financial standing and identify any credit issues they may have.
Evaluated the applicant’s background using security and suitability standards. Recorded all derogatory
information in the Clearance Processing System, and when necessary, submitted unfavorable adjudication to
Management for approval.
Directed additional investigative coverage. Provided input and maintained information in investigations
databases. Upon completion, notified HR of the status. The case was then finalized in the Sentinel System,
and approved through the Bureau Personnel Management System.
Daily use of PIPS, JPAS, DCII and various in-house systems classified and unclassified systems.
Program Manager
Six3 Systems - McLean, VA - September 2012 to November 2012
Provided support services for the Department of the Navy, Personnel Security Appeals Board (PSAB).
Provided administrative oversight and leadership for all employees assigned to the project, ensuring sufficient
performance feedback was provided to all employees to sustain high-performance, and to ensure employees
possessed the necessary skills to perform their project responsibilities to company and client standards.
Knowledge of and experience in personnel security and federal government (DSS or OPM) personnel security
procedures and practices. Maintained effective and efficient working relationships with the customer, interfaced
daily with Government Managers. Managed the delivery of all project documents.
Prepared correspondence to notify the command of the final decision to revoke, deny, grant or reinstate their
security clearance, and responded to congressional. Maintained database comprised of all PSAB actions and
compiled a monthly statistical report.
Personnel Security Specialist
Six3Systems - McLean, VA - October 2011 to September 2012
Contractor, for the Executive Office of the President, Office of Administration, Personnel Security Division.
Adjudicated investigative reports or other security-related information; interpreting and applying suitability
factors and adjudicative guidelines, making recommendations effecting final suitability and security clearance
eligibility. Evaluated the validity, veracity and pertinence of the datain the case to determine whether additional
information or investigations were required prior to making a decision.
Determined the suitability and security eligibility of individuals for entry and retention, and made security
clearance determinations for employees and other persons for access to national security information, the
White House complex, IT systems and/or government issued assets. Prepared comprehensive and concise
adjudicative summaries related to designated security requirements.
Reviewed and evaluated investigations, personnel files and other records to determine whether to grant,
deny, revoke, suspend or restrict security clearances consistent with the interests of national security.Entered
information into the EPIC system.
Comprehensive knowledge of theories, techniques, and practices in the field of personnel security and the
ability to effectively apply such principles and techniques to a wide variety of problems and situations, and
sufficient knowledge to evaluate the most serious derogatory personnel security cases.
Identified recurring problems and kept Team Lead and/or management abreast of systemic deficiencies.
As Site Lead, compiled weekly reports, certified time and attendance for an administrative specialist.
Lead Personnel Security Specialist
Barling Bay LLC - Arlington, VA - August 2008 to July 2011
Performed Personnel Security Adjudication Services for the Department of Justice, Security and Emergency
Planning Staff. Reviewed and evaluated Report of Investigations, preliminary checks and collateral information
to determine if employees and applicants applying for sensitive positions met security standards as established
by Executive Orders, DOJ Orders, Federal Personnel Security Regulations and Adjudicative Guidelines.
Reviewed case files to determine what additional security processing, if any, needed to be performed.
Reviewed the results of all security processing to glean necessary facts and data relevant to render a
final recommendation. Conducted discussions with the senior staff or managers to resolve information
discrepancies or gaps. Analyzed information and showed a nexus Protected information and data acquired
during the preparation of the analysis from unauthorized release.
Reviewed and analyzed all categories of Personnel Security Investigations NACLAC, and SSBI/PR in order
to make a collateral eligibility determination. Evaluated disqualifying information contained in the case by
weighing evidence, reviewing testimony and applying established adjudicative guidelines and personnel
security standards.
Determined the adequacy and completeness of investigations and evaluated the authenticity, veracity,and
pertinence of the data presented for the adjudication process. Prepared correspondence relating to questions,
problems, or issues involving security clearances.
Oversaw a team of four which was comprised of one senior adjudicator, one mid level, and two data
technicians. Certified time and attendance reports. Prepared a weekly statistical report on the investigative
process. Resolved simple, informal complaints of employees and referred others, such as disciplinary matters
to the supervisor. Informed employees of available employee benefits, services and work-related activities.
Informed the supervisor of performance management issues/problems and recommended/requests related
actions, such as: reviews, performance appraisals, awards and recognition.
Retrieved data from cases from Justice Security Tracking and Adjudication Records System
(JSTARS).
Personnel Security Specialist
ManTech International Corporation - Falls Church, VA - June 2007 to August 2008
Served as a Personnel Security Specialist (Contractor) for the Environmental Protection Agency
Headquarters, Personnel Security Division. Requested information to clarify questionable or discrepant
information. Reviewed, evaluated, and adjudicated personnel security investigations
conducted by the Office of Personnel Management, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Defense
agencies and other investigative agencies.
Reviewed and evaluated investigations to determine suitability for employment or eligibility for a security
clearance in accordance with applicable regulations, Executive Orders and guidelines.
Prepared summaries of derogatory and mitigating information contained in the investigative reports.
Prepared Letter of Interrogatory to resolve suitability/security concerns. Ensured that approved
security standards, criteria, methods and techniques were implemented in the conduct of investigations.
Conducted complex and comprehensive suitability investigations.
Updated information into the Office of Administration Services Information System. Provided
identity-proofing and registration services for Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12
enrollment requirements for all applicable EPA employees and contractors.
Facility Security Officer
Ex Nihilo Management, LLC - Washington, DC - November 2006 to February 2008
Certified security clearances and ensured required indoctrination and debriefings were conducted. Validated
security clearances, maintained lock and key records, arranged visit authorizations for employees and others
to gain access to restricted areas. Developed security policies and performed additional duties as required
of this position. Established initial and annual refresher training specific to an open storage area designated
for indoctrinated employees.
Monitored and conducted security briefings and security education programs. Maintained liaison with outside
agencies and kept management informed of all security activities. Verified clearance information in JPAS and
entered debriefing and separation information into same.
Personnel Security Specialist
Department of Homeland Security - Arlington, VA - November 2004 to August 2006
Made suitability determinations for the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security
Administration (TSA), on airport screener, non-screeners, Federal Security Directors, Assistant Federal
Security Directors and Federal Security Staff personnel affiliated with the TSA.
Identified and resolved any deficiencies, discrepancies or derogatory information contained in the documents.
Made necessary inquiries to clarify missing or conflicting information.
Performed NCIC, KROLL, CITS and eQIP checks. Requested files from the Office of Personnel Management.
Updated information into the BITS.
Personnel Security Specialist
Department of Defense (AFCAF) - Washington, DC - December 1989 to October 2004
Adjudicated requests for security clearances for the Department of the Air Force (DAF), all active duty, Air
National Guard and Air Force Reserve military, civilian and contractor personnel actively affiliated with the
DAF.
Performed in-depth analysis and evaluations of Personnel Security Investigations, security clearance
suspensions, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access suspensions or other data concerning
serious derogatory or extremely sensitive information impacting on initial and continuing clearance/access
eligibility.
Thorough knowledge of Executive Orders 10450 and 12968, directives, instructions (AFI-31-501) and
guidelines promulgated by the Executive Branch, Director of Central Intelligence, Department of Defense
(DOD) regulation 5200.2R, and Air Force directives governing the personnel security program.
Prepared comprehensive written reports of the issues, recommending the award, denial or revocation
of security clearance eligibility/SCI access and provided the rationale to support the recommendation.
Recommendation was based on DOD guidelines, regulatory guidance and common sense.
Composed letters of intent, statement of reason for final revocation/denial for signature of higher authority.
Reviewed and analyzed rebuttals and appeals of adverse actions.
Adjudicated cases in accordance with DOD Directive 5210.55 for the Presidential Support Program, which
involved the nomination, selection, and continued evaluation of personnel assigned to or utilized in Presidential
Support activities.
Reviewed and adjudicated completed Single Scope Background Investigations (SSBI), Periodic
Reinvestigation (PR), National Agency Check with Local Agency Checks and Credit Check (NACLC), Access
National Agency Checks with Inquiries (ANACI), Special Investigative Inquiry (SII), for correct scope and made
security clearance determinations. Other records reviewed consisted of civil and criminal court records, law
enforcement records, court transcripts of proceedings and testimonies, medical and psychiatric/psychological
reports, bankruptcy court records/orders and judgment records, personal statement of individual’s defense or
clarification, and other witness/reference statements.
Logically and objectively evaluated facts and related information to arrive at sound decisions
regarding eligibility for security clearances and SCI access.
Maintained liaison with Security Forces, Major Command Special Security Officers, commanders, investigative
personnel, consultants, appeal authorities or other personnel, or investigative agencies to insure all pertinent
information is obtained and the individual is afforded due process.
Recorded all final clearance and SCI access determinations in the Joint Personnel Adjudication System,
Sentinel Key system and the Adjudication Management System.
EDUCATION
Diploma
Calvin Coolidge Senior High School - Washington, DC
June 1976
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Professional Certifications
DIVS, 2013
Security and Suitability Adjudicative Guidelines Course, 2013
Dale Carnegie Business Improvement Seminar, 2009
Security Conference, 2007
Essentials of Industrial Security Management, 2007
Suitability Adjudication, 2007
NCIC, 2004
Advanced Adjudicator Seminar, 2003
Advanced Adjudicator Seminar, 2000
Counter Intelligence/Counter Espionage
Privacy Act/FOIA procedures, 1998
Ancillary training, 1998, 1997
Advanced Personnel Security Adjudication, 1997
Credibility Assessment, 1997
Reading Dynamics, 1997
Personnel Security Management, 1996
Team Building, 1996
EO Awareness & Sensitivity Training, 1995
HIV/AIDS Training, 1995
Intro to AIOS, 1994
Basic Personnel Security Adjudication, 1993
Reading Improvement, 1991
Personnel Security Seminar, 1990
SCI Management Course, 1990
Oct 94 – Sep 96 - Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
Aug 95-Vice President Gore’s Hammer Award. This was for streamlining adjudicative processes to minimized
documentation of derogatory information in order to decrease security investigation
processing time from months to just days.
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