Senior Security Specialist and Background Investigator

MICHAEL A. JONES

Senior Security Specialist / Background Investigator

Upper Marlboro, MD • C: 703-***-**** • E: ********@**.*** Security Clearance: TOP SECRET (TS), Granted 08/2007 – 05/2022 Continuous Vetting: 05/2022 to Present

Citizenship: United States

Veteran: USAF Retired (20 Years)

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE

Senior Security Specialist and Federal Background Investigator with 18+ years of consecutive personnel security, investigations, and adjudication-support experience across USAID, OPM, DOD, DOS, and Intelligence Community partners. Demonstrated expertise conducting federal background investigations

(BI, LBI, SSBI, SSBI-PR, NACLC, PV) in compliance with Security Executive Agent Directives (SEADs), Executive Orders, and Federal Investigative Standards. Skilled in interviewing, investigative analysis, continuous vetting (CES), and producing comprehensive Reports of Investigation (ROI). Strong record of training, mentoring, and leading contractor and federal personnel engaged in personnel vetting and investigative operations.

RELEVANT SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Expert knowledge of Federal Personnel Vetting Investigative Standards, SEADs, and EO 10450

• Conducts subject, reference, supervisor, and record-source interviews

• Performs criminal, financial, employment, military, and education record checks

• Provides adjudication support and clearance eligibility recommendations

• Advanced proficiency: SID, NBIS, DISS, DCII, JPAS, CCDI, CES, DPRIS, LEEP, PIPS, FWS

• Experience with Special Access Programs and continuous evaluation workflows

• Ensures full compliance with PII, privacy, and safeguarding of classified information

• Strong report writing, analysis, case review, and quality assurance skills

• Experienced leadership, trainer, mentor, and team lead within contractor and federal environments

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Security Specialist – Chugach Government Solutions Feb 2023 – Mar 2025 USAID Personnel Vetting Program – Co-Lead the implementation and management of the Continuous Vetting Program for U.S.AID, ensuring all reports from the ODNI’s Continuous Evaluation System (CES) are obtained and analyzed. Provided direct technical and analytical support to USAID’s Personnel Vetting Program under IRTPA/DNI guidelines. Reviewed investigative material and produced written recommendations determining additional scoping needs. Processed and prescreened clearance requests for compliance with SEADs and USAID standards. Retrieved, verified, analyzed, and adjudicated Continuous Evaluation System (CES) alerts involving travel, financial, and personnel activity. Identified discrepancies in personnel security databases and coordinated corrective action. - Utilized SID, DPRIS, CCDI, LEEP, DCII, DISS, NBIS for investigative support and case integrity. Ensured risk triage compliance (2-day high risk, 10-day medium, 30-day low) under new Federal Vetting Standards. Conducted full-scope investigations in accordance with SEADs and EO 10450. Served as Contract Team Lead; led onboarding, training, and mentoring of federal and contractor staff.

Senior Security Specialist – Konaig Government Services I Jacobs Information Technology

Konaig Government Services (Feb 2022 – Feb 2023) I Jacobs Information Technology (Aug 2019 – Feb 2022) – Performed investigative scoping, analysis, and completeness reviews for USAID SEC investigative operations. Conducted automated record checks and recommended clearance eligibility determinations. Reviewed clearance packets for completeness and compliance with federal requirements. Utilized: SID, E-APP, NBIS, Lexus Nexus, E-QIP, JPAS, Scattered Castles. Determined the adequacy and completeness of the investigation by which data were collected. Recommend or decide whether, based on obtained data, security clearances should be granted, downgraded, suspended, revoked or denied. Review initial clearance Tier 1 and Tier 3 investigation requests for completeness. Familiar with required personnel security applications to include SID, E-APP, NBIS, Lexus Nexus (Insider Threat), E-QIP, JPAS and Scattered Castles. Continuously familiarized self with federal standards surrounding federal investigations for BI, LBI, SSBI, SSBIPR, NACLC and Personnel Vetting

(PV) case types for clearances at the Secret, Top Secret, and TS/SCI levels. Mentored and coached team members to improve performance and investigative quality. Independent Background Investigator – USAID / DOS

USAID (2016 – 2025) DOS (2015 – 2016) - Performed complex federal background investigations supporting Secret, TS, and TS/SCI eligibility. Conducted subject interviews and source interviews with employers, references, and associates. Retrieved and evaluated criminal, financial, employment, and education records. Ensured complete adherence to federal investigative standards and PII protection requirements. Systems used: E-QIP, JPAS, Scattered Castles. Federal Background Investigator (GS-12) – Office of Personnel Management (OPM) May 2006 – Aug 2015 - Completed 20+ federal background investigations per month, including Special Access case work. Conducted extensive fieldwork, interviews, and record checks to support suitability and clearance decisions. Prepared accurate, timely Reports of Investigation (ROI) in PIPS and FWS. United States Air Force – Retired (E-6)

Jan 1986 – Jun 2006 - Managed delivery and support operations for C-40 Special Air Mission aircraft

(89th Airlift Squadron). NCOIC of flight scheduling supporting VPOTUS, SECSTATE, SECDEF, and Congressional delegations. Directed 30-member Honor Guard team; oversaw training, operations, travel, and administrative functions.

EDUCATION

M.A., Business & Organizational Security Management – In Progress (2019–Present) B.S., Management / Computer Networking – Strayer University, 2004 A.A., Aviation Operations – CCAF, 2001

A.A., Electronic Systems Technology – CCAF, 1989

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

• OPM Investigator Training – Boyers, PA

• NBIS Training – STEPP

• Introduction to Suitability Adjudications – DOD/STEPP

• Federal Vetting Investigative Standards Appendix Updates (2024

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