Federal Security & Investigations Policy SME

Location:

Silver Spring, MD

Posted:

October 18, 2026

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Resume:

Michael Joel Steinberg

**** ****** *****, **********, ******** 21784

Email: ***************@*****.***

Mobile 443-***-****

Executive Summary

Seasoned investigator and compliance expert with a distinguished 30+ year career dedicated to safeguarding federal programs and assets. Extensive experience conducting complex financial investigations, leading multi-agency task forces, and developing investigative strategies for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of Homeland Security. Demonstrated success in identifying and resolving fraud, waste, and abuse, consistently recognized with numerous performance awards. Seeking a CI policy position where analytical skills, investigative acumen, and commitment to integrity can contribute to the development and implementation of effective security protocols.

Professional Experience

Personnel Security and Vetting Policy Support (SME) Department of Defense, Director for Defense Intelligence (Counterintelligence, Law Enforcement & Security) February 2025

Provide expert guidance to senior leadership on personnel vetting policies and procedures, supporting the Secretary of Defense and Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security's strategic objectives.

Contributed to the enhancement of defense security and counterintelligence capabilities through policy analysis and implementation within the Directorate for Integrated Vetting.

Foreign Affairs Analyst U.S. Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, Country and End-User Analysis (CEA) April 2024 – February 2025

Leveraged intelligence background and law enforcement expertise to conduct end-use monitoring of U.S. defense articles, ensuring compliance with the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Contributed to the Department of State’s Blue Lantern program, verifying the legitimate end-use of exported defense items and mitigating potential national security risks.

Analyzed complex export transactions to identify potential violations of arms export controls and recommended appropriate enforcement actions.

Compliance Specialist U.S. Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, Compliance and Civil Enforcement (CCE) January 2022 – March 2025

Enforced the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), contributing to national security by preventing unauthorized exports of U.S. defense articles.

Managed and maintained the State Department’s Watch List, identifying and tracking entities of concern to inform arms export licensing decisions and support foreign policy objectives.

Investigated potential ITAR violations, conducting fact-finding, analyzing records, and preparing responses to the defense industry regarding voluntary disclosures.

Collaborated with the Defense Technology Security Administration (DTSA) to assess the national security impact of unauthorized exports and recommend appropriate enforcement actions.

Consultant – Financial Investigations Guidehouse (supporting the Small Business Administration) June 2018 – May 2021

Investigated potential fraud related to CARES and American Rescue Program loans, identifying and isolating cases of financial misrepresentation in partnership with federal agencies.

Reviewed loan documentation, borrower financial records, and conducted in-depth open-source research to identify irregularities and violations.

Applied expertise in fraud, loan/payroll fraud, and financial crime compliance to adjudicate investigations and prepare reports leading to law enforcement referrals.

Utilized investigative research tools including LexisNexis and PACER to gather and analyze information.

President & Principal Investigator Force5Investigations, LLC June 2018 – May 2021

Conducted comprehensive background investigations for the U.S. Department of State (Diplomatic Security Service), U.S. Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security (ICE/CBP).

Assessed the suitability of individuals requiring access to sensitive and classified U.S. Government information through interviews, record searches, and thorough analysis.

Generated clear, concise, and objective investigative reports used directly in the security clearance adjudication process.

Managed all aspects of investigative projects, including client communication, task management, and report delivery.

Senior Special Agent/Criminal Investigator U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General November 2004 – April 2018

Oversaw the review of background investigations, personnel files, and employee associations for personnel across multiple DHS components (ICE, CBP, TSA, USSS, etc.) to identify security risks and suitability concerns.

Led and participated in comprehensive oversight reviews of DHS law enforcement bureaus, evaluating program effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with investigative standards. (Led CGIS review, USSS review; Senior Agent on TSA, USCIS, FPS reviews).

Conducted quality assurance reviews of OIG field offices nationwide, identifying areas for improvement and recommending enhancements to investigative operations. (Team Leader for Tucson, El Paso, Atlanta, and Los Angeles inspections).

Analyzed investigative referrals, reviewed reports, and provided guidance to field offices on case development, informing strategic decision-making for the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations.

Served as a technical and programmatic liaison between DHS OIG and various law enforcement bureaus, facilitating communication and collaboration on sensitive oversight matters.

Senior Special Agent/Criminal Investigator U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General November 2004 – April 2018 (Cont.)

Led and conducted sensitive criminal and administrative investigations into fraud, waste, and abuse within DHS programs, ensuring compliance with federal laws, regulations, and Congressional mandates. Investigated a wide range of criminal activity, including public corruption, alien smuggling, employee misconduct, and fraud related to contracts, immigration, and government property.

Served as a technical and programmatic liaison between DHS OIG and various law enforcement bureaus, facilitating communication and collaboration on sensitive oversight matters.

Notable Investigations:

Cash for Immigration Benefits Scheme: Led investigation resulting in the conviction of an individual impersonating an ICE agent for conspiracy, interstate transportation of funds obtained by fraud, and possession of ammunition by a felon.

Federal Building Security Fraud: Investigated and helped prosecute supervisory security guards who falsified overtime and firearms training records, leading to guilty pleas under Title 18 U.S.C. § 1001.

Unauthorized Use of DHS Resources: Recovered and investigated the misuse of a DHS air card with a $300,000+ balance used for fraudulent overseas expenditures.

TSA Security Breach: Investigated the unauthorized removal of sensitive TSA documents and external hard drives containing Security Sensitive Information (SSI).

TSA Employee Misconduct: Investigated a TSA TSO involved in the distribution of narcotics and weapons, resulting in their resignation.

USCG Security Violation: Investigated civilian contractors bypassing USCG security protocols to access prohibited websites from a classified facility."

Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Investigation Division (CID)/Senior Special Agent – United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General (November 2001 – November 2004)

Supervised a team of 16 personnel including GS-14 Senior Special Agents, a Special Agent detailed to the Department of Treasury’s FiNCEN, and two Special Agents serving as law enforcement instructors at FLETC.

Led highly sensitive investigations into allegations of misconduct and conflicts of interest involving high-ranking HUD officials and OIG employees, conducting internal affairs investigations and preparing detailed Reports of Investigation.

Managed investigative activity across 13 field offices in the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, Pacific, Hawaii, and Northwest/Alaska regions, ensuring adherence to policy and procedures.

Analyzed investigative trends and prepared presentations for management to establish national investigation priorities.

Revised and upgraded the OIG Investigations Manual and enhanced the Office of Investigation’s case management system.

Developed investigative guidelines and responded to Congressional and White House inquiries regarding OIG investigations, contributing to reports for Congress.

Supported the Criminal Investigation Division in recruiting and hiring technical and support staff.

Special Agent U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General 1997 – 2001

Conducted white-collar crime and violent crime investigations within the jurisdiction of HUD, including participation in the Housing Fraud Initiative, a multi-agency task force with the FBI, USPS, and U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Investigated complex fraud schemes targeting HUD-funded programs, utilizing investigative techniques such as Grand Jury subpoenas, search warrants, and suspect apprehension.

Conducted street-level narcotics enforcement, including undercover surveillance, electronic surveillance, and interviews/interrogations.

Notable Investigations:

FHA Mortgage Fraud: Successfully investigated two real estate agents involved in a $23 million mortgage fraud scheme involving 183 homes insured by FHA, resulting in significant media coverage (Washington Post, Channel 9).

Annapolis Joint Initiative: Led the first joint initiative between HUD OIG and the Annapolis Police Department, resulting in over 100 arrests, seizure of narcotics and assets, and recognition in the OIG’s Semi-annual Report to Congress.

Montgomery County Collaboration: Served as case agent for the first joint operation with the Montgomery County Police Department’s Municipal Drug Task Force, leading to arrests, seizure of narcotics and weapons, and inclusion in the OIG’s Semi-annual Report to Congress.

Internal Auditor U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General March 1991 – August 1997

Planned and conducted audits adhering to Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) across various divisions (Capital District, IS Audit, Headquarters Audit Operations, ADP Audit).

Investigated financial transactions of firms awarded large government contracts, utilizing interviews, research of laws/policies, and examination of records.

Developed audit plans, analyzed results, prepared reports, and conducted exit conferences with senior HUD and OIG officials.

Provided technical assistance to external organizations, including the District of Columbia Housing Authority, GNMA, FNMA, and HUD grantees.

Education

University of Maryland, College Park, MD – Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Training & Certifications

Security & Counterintelligence: Counterintelligence Awareness and Security Training – Defense Security Service (DSS)

Law Enforcement & Investigation: Law Enforcement Supervisors Training Program – Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC); Criminal Investigator Training Program – FLETC; Continuing Legal Education for Criminal Investigators (FLETC); Advanced Interviewing; Defensive Tactics Instructor Training

Firearms & Weapons: Firearms – Range 2000 Training; H&K MP5 Sub-Machine Gun Operators School; Firearms Instructor Training Program (FLETC)

Audit & Financial Investigation: Grant and Contract Investigations; Contract and Procurement Fraud; Fraud Auditing: Theory and Application; Effective Audit Supervision; Advanced Audit Tools and Techniques; Auditing Automated Information Systems (ADP Auditing); Audits of Multifamily Operations; PC Applications for Auditors; Performance Auditing; Standards for Performance Audits 1992

Awards & Recognition

Performance Awards (Multiple Years): Received numerous Performance Awards for outstanding investigative work from 2000-2018, recognizing consistent excellence in investigations and operational effectiveness.

Significant Awards:

Secretary of State Recognition of dedication and performance developing and investigating matters pertaining to civil enforcement of the International Traffick in Arms Regulations (State Department August 2024)

Secretary of State Outstanding Service substantially contributed to the advancement of U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives (State Department November 2023)

Individual Special Act Award – Criminal Investigation Division (2003)

Superior Accomplishment Award – Investigations (2003)

Performance Award – Nigerian Taskforce Investigation (2001)

Performance Award – Operation Safe Home (OSH) Violent Crime Investigation (1998)

Certificate for Superior Accomplishment – Audit (1995, 1993)

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