The SCA is responsible for conducting a comprehensive assessment of the management, operational, and technical security controls employed within or inherited by an IS to determine the overall effectiveness of the controls (i.e., the extent to which the controls are implemented correctly, operating as intended, and producing the desired outcome with respect to meeting the security requirements for the system).
SCAs also provide an assessment of the severity of weaknesses or deficiencies discovered in the IS and its environment of operation and recommend corrective actions to address identified vulnerabilities. Responsibilities will cover Collateral, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Program (SAP) activities within the customers area of responsibility.
Perform oversight of the development, implementation and evaluation of IS security program policy; special emphasis placed upon integration of existing SAP network infrastructure.
Perform assessment of ISs, based upon the Risk Management Framework (RMF) methodology in accordance with the Joint Special Access Program (SAP) Implementation Guide (JSIG)
Advise the Information System Owner (ISO), Information Data Owner (IDO), Program Security Officer (PSO), and the Delegated and/or Authorizing Official (DAO/AO) on any assessment and authorization issues.
Evaluate Authorization packages and make recommendation to the AO and/or DAO for authorization.
Evaluate IS threats and vulnerabilities to determine whether additional safeguards are required.
Advise the Government concerning the impact levels for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability for the information on a system.
Ensure security assessments are completed and results documented and prepare the Security Assessment Report (SAR) for the Authorization boundary.
Initiate a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) with identified weaknesses for each Authorization Boundaries assessed, based on findings and recommendations from the SAR.
Evaluate security assessment documentation and provide written recommendations for security authorization to the Government.
Discuss recommendation for authorization and submit the security authorization package to the AO/DAO.
Assess proposed changes to Authorization boundaries operating environment and mission needs to determine the continuation to operate.
Review and concur with all sanitizations and clearing procedures in accordance with Government guidance and/or policy.
Assist the Government compliance inspections.
Assist the Government with security incidents that relate to cybersecurity and ensure that the proper and corrective measures have been taken.
Ensure organization are addressing and conducting all phases of the system development life cycle (SDLC)
Evaluate Hardware and Software to determine security impact that it might have on Authorization boundaries.
Evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of Continuous Monitoring Plans.
Represent the customer on inspection teams.
