Defense Security Service
Government AdministrationUnited States501-1000 Employees
The Defense Security Service is a United States government agency within the government administration sector that supports national security through security oversight and education activities. It safeguards U.S. and foreign classified information and technologies in the hands of cleared industry under the National Industrial Security Program by delivering risk-management services. As the Department of Defense's Functional Manager for security, DSS provides education, training, certification, and professional development for DoD personnel, other government staff, contractor employees, and representatives of foreign governments. Headquartered in Quantico, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., the agency maintains a network of offices nationwide, including resident and field locations. Its work targets the needs of cleared industry and government personnel, helping them manage risk and ensure secure handling of sensitive information and warfighter-related technologies. In 2018, DSS partnered with National Background Investigations, Inc. to develop a joint transfer plan outlining the steps involved in transferring responsibilities related to background investigations.