We first wrote about the transition to the Defense Information System for Security (DISS) in 2016. And in true government fashion, a full four years later we are now ready to say ‘hello’ to DISS and goodbye to the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS). In the overhaul of the security clearance process that paved the way for Trusted Workforce 2.0, eApp, and a host of other changes to the security clearance systems and acronyms you used to know and love, DISS was born. Rather than a single database, it is a ‘family of systems’ designed to act as the security system of record for all Department of Defense personnel, including military, government civilians and contractors.
Like most new systems, the military and government representatives got to test it first, many of them well over a couple of years ago. The final roll-out to contractors should be wrapped up this month, but expect JPAS to remain online through the end of 2020, to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
Why DISS?
Like most massive government systems, JPAS had lots of kinks and few fans. One of the key issues is its origins – JPAS has been around for decades. When you think of government systems for day-to-day use, a decades old computer system is probably not the one you’d choose. While JPAS has seen some minor usability tweaks in the past decade, as DoD made way for DISS, JPAS has remained in use. One of the key issues with JPAS was the way the different systems within JPAS worked together (or didn’t). JAMS, JCAVS and CATS are a few of the adjudication systems of records that were used within JPAS at various points. DISS merges the Case Adjudication Tracking System (CATS) and Joint Verification System (JVS).
The move from JPAS to DISS is a necessity for a personnel security program based on Continuous Vetting (CV) over periodic reinvestigations. One of the major flaws of JPAS was the difficulty for other agencies to access the system to verify records. Under CV, systems need to be able to work together and components from the Intelligence Community and other government agencies need to be able to access information.
JPAS to DISS
Data will transfer between JPAS and DISS, but usernames and privileges won’t. Individuals who need access should have already received information about creating their new accounts and credentials. Individuals who haven’t should contact their DCSA representative.
The Help Desk number for DISS and JPAS are the same. DISS and the Personnel Security Management Office for Industry (PSMO-i) phone number is 1(800) 467-5526.
