Security Administration Series, GS-0080 TS-82 December 1987
develop, evaluate, and implement security program policy and/or direction. Some prepare
classification guidance, and some make original classification, declassification, downgrading,
and upgrading decisions. Many security specialists train security and subject-matter personnel in
security requirements and procedures.
Security administration is a specialized and integral aspect of agency missions and programs. It
is concerned with (1) identifying the need for protection and security, (2) developing and
maintaining the physical means which are used for protection and security, (3) developing,
implementing, and maintaining procedural and technical methods to enhance physical protection,
(4) assessing the reliability, loyalty, suitability, and trustworthiness of those persons who have
access to sensitive or classified information, resources, and material which could adversely affect
the national security, the public welfare, or the efficiency of the Federal service, and (5)
assessing the damage done to national security when information or material has been
compromised or sabotaged. Security administration is concerned with safeguarding information
and material whether it is in the direct custody of the Federal Government or in the hands of
other governments, private businesses (e.g., those having contacts with the Government),
educational institutions, or other persons or organizations.
Information and material, particularly that affecting the national security or the public welfare,
may be in any of a wide variety of forms. It may exist in documentary or electronic form, or as
materials, hardware, equipment, electronic, magnetic, telemetry, special nuclear materials
(weapons, fuels, etc.), money, office equipment, medical supplies, narcotics, industrial or other
processes, or even as ideas or concepts in the minds of individuals. The multiplicity of forms of
classified or sensitive information and materials helps to emphasize the fact that security
administration, as covered by this series, is part of a total protective program required in most
Government agencies, installations and industrial facilities. Security programs vary widely in
scope, complexity, and purpose. They may, for example, serve primarily to provide protection
from loss, unauthorized disclosure, espionage, terrorism, sabotage, natural disaster, or
compromise of information or material which is considered vital to national defense and
security, as well as to the privacy of individuals and entities. In addition, the protection program
may include protection of the agency, its staff, and its premises from intrusion, trespass, acts of
violence, theft, or fire.
Security specialists interpret or develop general policy direction for application on an
organization-wide basis and conduct oversight reviews on the effectiveness of programs and
practices within lower echelon and supported organizations. At operating component, regional,
or installation levels, specialists further interpret and define policy guidelines, develop and
implement specific guidelines to meet localized requirements, and monitor program
effectiveness in Federal, government contractor, and private sector facilities. Security specialists
commonly participate in program and project planning efforts to evaluate the need for security
requirements and recommend equipment, methods, procedures, and systems. In this role,
specialists will sometimes maintain rather substantial budgets for the purchase and installation of
security equipment, systems, and services.
Security specialists frequently review intelligence and counterintelligence reports, assess
security vulnerabilities, and design security systems based on their analysis of the intent and
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
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