SMG Overview

As effective stewards of public trust, the CMS Security Management Group (SMG) directs the following CMS programs that ensure the security and integrity of CMS human resources and physical assets: 

• Protective Services, including physical access control systems for CMS employees and contractors and HHS components housed in CMS space;
• Personnel Security, including background investigations and security clearances;
• Provisioning and credential management, including badging, identity proofing, and electronic fingerprinting;
• Electronic Security System (ESS), including the CMS Physical Access Management (PAM) system; and
• The Agency's Automated External Defibrillator (AED)/Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation program.
• The Agency's Occupant Emergency Organization, including emergency procedures training and coordination of emergency evacuations and procedures.

The Division of Credentialing Operations (DCO) is responsible for providing prescreening security investigation services and onboarding assistance to new and existing CMS personnel and CMS contractors.  In addition, DCO is committed to providing superior service, support and direction to the CMS population across the country for provisioning and credential lifecycle management related to Personal Identity Verification (PIV) as well as local based physical access cards. The Division also seeks to analyze and appraise the effectiveness of customer processes to produce automated technological solutions geared towards efficiency and quality improvement.

The Division of Personnel Security  (DPS) is responsible for providing background investigation services to new and existing CMS personnel and CMS contractors. In addition, DPS processes background investigations on applicable personnel in accordance with federal and HHS guidelines. Background investigations are conducted by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) and adjudicated by DPS.

The Division of Physical Security Operations (DPSO) provides a safe and secure environment for CMS mission partners, and assets nationwide, consistent with Federal standards.  The Division is also responsible for the CMS Occupant Emergency Organization (OEO) policies, coordination, and training for all Emergencies that occur on the CMS campus.  This includes managing the Agency's Automated External Defibrillator (AED)/Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation program by providing employee training and ensuring maintenance of all equipment deployed throughout CMS facilities.