Tamara Arrington

Serves as an experienced Program Security Officer providing day-to-day multi-disciplined security guidance and support for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), Alternative Compensatory Control Measures (ACCM) , IJSTO and multiple Special Access Programs (SAPs) in accordance with appropriate government regulations.

• Coordinates routinely with DOD's SAPCO, other DoD staff elements, and interagency security representatives. Ensures adherence to standards through oversight of all aspects of SCI/SAP security management.
• Develops, reviews, coordinates and executes program security documentation to include Fixed Facility Checklists, Standard Operating Procedures, Transportation Plans, Program Access Requests, Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), Security Classification Guides (SCGs) and participates in self-inspections and government compliance inspections.
• Assists in developing and executing approved policies and procedures for safeguarding program information/data in support of US military operations.
• Reviews and assists in providing recommendations to leadership regarding changes to existing security policies based on lessons learned from security breaches and evolving DoD security doctrine.
• Conducts assessments and investigations to determine potential for compromise of program information.
• Uses critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions

Served as a Program Security Officer managing the day-to-day operations of a SCIF/SAPF using knowledge of various security disciplines (i.e. Personnel, Physical, Information and Industrial Security) to determine, apply, monitor and ensure appropriate security requirements for the program.

• Processed requests for clearances via JPAS, managed program access requests (PARs) via DCADS/JADE and administered SAP debriefs and briefings.
• Assisted in development of and administered policies and procedures required to maintain accreditation and physical integrity of the SCIF in accordance with published guidance and directives.
• Provided support in day-to-day physical security of controlled areas/SCIF, and all classified activities held within, as well as provided guidance and assistance to assigned personnel, when necessary.
• Assisted in development of and administered security education and training program, to ensure all members were knowledgeable of applicable policies and procedures.
• Maintained COMSEC accountability for SCI/SAP to include encryption devices, secure telephones, and classified communication networks.
• Performed site lead tasks to include preparation and submittal of bi-monthly progress reports, conducted staff performance reviews and oversaw daily operations for the company on-site.

Planned, organized and directed the functions and staff. Managed the day-to-day operations providing risk designations, case initiations, HSPD-12 support and adjudications support to the Personnel Security Branch (PSB) for the Environmental Protection Agency's Security Management Division.

• Participated in the management of all operational aspects of ongoing projects and served as a liaison between the Program Manager, the project team and the onsite customers.
• Developed mechanisms for monitoring project progress and individual/team operations as well as quality performance goals in order to meet company/program objectives.
• Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for all processes within the PSB to include case initiations, risk designations, adjudications, document control, and file management as well as the processing of presidential appointees.
• Assessed project issues and developed resolutions to meet productivity, quality, and client-satisfaction goals and objectives.
• Provided recommendations to the Program Manager as well as the client regarding creative solutions aimed at improving productivity and enhancing the efficiency of the security program through process modifications.
• Assisted Director of the Security Division with program management duties as well as other support duties to include administration, recruiting, security, training and reports.

• Provided direction on matters relating to the quality control of personnel security and background investigations.
• Interpreted policy issues and monitored program to determine effectiveness of policies in meeting the client's expectations as well as the needs of the program.
• Developed the quality plan for and assisted in the writing of, a technical proposal used to acquire a contract with the Office of Personnel Management for personnel security background investigations as well as suitability adjudications.
• Applied analytical methods employed in security investigations, including ability to conduct fact finding interviews.
• Conducted personnel background security investigations for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), US Agency for International Development (USAID), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), US Investigation Services, Inc. (USIS), Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), and KROLL Government Services.

• Managed the daily activities within the Quality Assurance Department for the Office of Personnel Management contract.
• Identified, defined and analyzed opportunities for process improvement and training, developed resolutions and provided feedback to the appropriate parties.
• Trained/mentored field investigators as well as internal staff on the requirements and materials concerning new policies, programs and procedures.
• Investigated allegations of staff or contractor misconduct and/or complaints from other agencies, contractors or the public.
• Conducted personnel background investigations involving difficult, sensitive, and complex cases and provided a thorough review of investigative material for accuracy and completeness to identify discrepancies and inconsistencies and to initiate any appropriate follow-up.
• Analyzed/Evaluated other's investigative reports to resolve apparently conflicting information.
• Improved deficiency rate from 8% to less than 3%.

• Performed supervisory functions to include training new hires in the policies, programs and procedures of the current contract, administering performance evaluations and managing time sheets.
• Performed a quality review and evaluated investigative reports to ensure completeness, accuracy and timeliness requirements set forth by the agency were met.
• Assisted and advised investigators and reviewers with questions or complaints about the investigation, case type requirements and voucher related issues or the unprofessional behavior of an employee

• Processed personnel security background investigation information for completeness and accuracy before sending to the customer (Defense Security Service and US Department of Commerce) for determination of security clearances.
• Reviewed personal documents, Personnel Security Questionnaires (SF85/85P/86), other records and evaluated investigative reports to ensure completeness, accuracy, timeliness and compliancy with the client's guidelines.
• Conducted interviews of references by telephone, in compliance with the customers' guidelines, in order to expedite cases for closure

Conducted personnel background security investigations for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

• Conducted comprehensive interviews with subjects, employers, associates, references and other individuals.
• Documented information and submitted detailed reports.
• Reviewed and analyzed detailed records.
• Performed financial background checks.