Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records-Investigatory Material Compiled for Personnel Security, Suitability, Positive Identification Verification and Access Control for the Department of Education Security Tracking and Reporting System (EDSTAR), 66158-66162 [E7-23059]

Download as PDF 66158 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 227 / Tuesday, November 27, 2007 / Notices Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6E227, Washington, DC 20202–6110. NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE: If you wish to determine whether a record exists regarding you in the system of records, contact the system manager. Your request must meet the requirements of regulations in 34 CFR 5b.5, including proof of identity. RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURES: If you wish to gain access to your record in the system of records, contact the system manager at the address listed under SYSTEM MANAGER AND ADDRESS. Requests should contain your full name, address, and telephone number. Your request must meet the requirements of regulations in 34 CFR 5b.5, including proof of identity. CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES: If you wish to contest the content of a record regarding you in the system of records, contact the system manager. Your request must meet the requirements of the regulations in 34 CFR 5b.7, including proof of identity. RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES: Information maintained in this system of records is obtained from anyone who chooses to voluntarily submit a public comment or supporting materials in response to a Department rulemaking document or notice, including individuals and representatives of Federal, State or local governments, businesses, and other organizations. EXEMPTIONS CLAIMED FOR THE SYSTEM: None. [FR Doc. E7–23058 Filed 11–26–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records—Investigatory Material Compiled for Personnel Security, Suitability, Positive Identification Verification and Access Control for the Department of Education Security Tracking and Reporting System (EDSTAR) Office of Management, Department of Education. ACTION: Notice of altered and deleted systems of records. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (Privacy Act), the Department of Education (Department), publishes this notice to amend and rename the system of records entitled ‘‘Investigatory Material Compiled for Personnel VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:26 Nov 26, 2007 Jkt 214001 Security and Suitability Purposes’’ (18– 05–17) as ‘‘Investigatory Material Compiled for Personnel Security, Suitability, Positive Identification Verification and Access Control for the Department of Education Security Tracking and Reporting System (EDSTAR)’’ (18–05–17) and to delete the system of records entitled ‘‘Identification Media Records’’ (18–05– 16). The Department is taking these actions because these systems of records have been merged into and consolidated with the EDSTAR system of records. EDSTAR is designed to implement the requirements of Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)–12. HSPD–12 is a Presidential directive that requires the promulgation of a Federal standard to ensure a common, governmentwide standard for secure and reliable forms of Personal Identity Verification (PIV). On February 25, 2005, the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST’s) Computer Security Division issued Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 201, entitled ‘‘Personal Identity Verification of Federal Employees and Contractors’’, in order to satisfy the requirements of HSPD–12 to improve the identification and authentication of Federal employees and contractors for access to Federal facilities and information systems. The Department maintains records in EDSTAR for the purpose of making individual positive identification verification, adjudication determinations concerning suitability for Federal employment and contract positions, decisions concerning access to the Department’s facilities and information systems, and information related to the issuance of PIV and FIPS compliant identification media and access to restricted areas. Because many of these records are currently covered by the systems of records entitled ‘‘Identification Media Records’’ (18–05– 16) and ‘‘Investigatory Material Compiled for Personnel Security and Suitability Purposes’’ (18–05–17), the Department is merging and consolidating these systems of records by amending and renaming the ‘‘Investigatory Material Compiled for Personnel Security and Suitability Purposes’’ (18–05–17) system as EDSTAR and deleting the system of records for ‘‘Identification Media Records’’ (18–05–16). DATES: We must receive your comments about the altered and deleted systems of records notice on or before December 27, 2007. The Department filed a report describing the altered system of records PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 covered by this notice with the Chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on November 21, 2007. The altered system of records will become effective at the later date of—(1) The expiration of the 40-day period for OMB review on December 31, 2007 or (2) December 27, 2007, unless the system of records needs to be changed as a result of public comment or OMB review. ADDRESSES: Address all comments about the altered and deleted systems of records to Cecelia E. Briscoe, Senior Program Analyst, Security Services, Office of Management, Room 2W312, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202–5345. If you prefer to send comments through the Internet, use the following address: Security.Services@Ed.gov. You must include the term ‘‘EDSTAR Comments’’ in the subject line of your electronic message. During and after the comment period, you may inspect all public comments about this notice at the U.S. Department of Education in room 2W330, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday of each week except Federal holidays. Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities in Reviewing the Rulemaking Record On request, we will supply an appropriate aid, such as a reader or print magnifier, to an individual with a disability who needs assistance to review the comments or other documents in the public rulemaking record for this notice. If you want to schedule an appointment for this type of aid, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colette Hawley, Security Services, Office of Management, room 2W312, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202–5345. Telephone number: (202) 401–2993. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339. Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on E:\FR\FM\27NON1.SGM 27NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 227 / Tuesday, November 27, 2007 / Notices request to the contact person listed in the preceding paragraph. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: publishes a notice of altered and deleted systems of records to read as follows: DELETED SYSTEM OF RECORDS Introduction The Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)) requires the Department to publish in the Federal Register this notice of an altered system of records maintained by the Department. The Department’s regulations implementing the Privacy Act are contained in part 5b of title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The Privacy Act applies to information about individuals that is maintained in a system of records from which individually identifying information is retrieved by a unique identifier associated with each individual, such as a name or social security number. The information about each individual is called a ‘‘record,’’ and the system, whether manual or computer-based, is called a ‘‘system of records.’’ The Privacy Act requires each agency to publish notices of new or altered systems of records in the Federal Register and to submit reports to the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, the Chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, whenever the agency publishes a new or altered system of records. Electronic Access to This Document You can view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: www.ed.gov/news/ fedregister. To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1– 888–293–6498; or in the Washington, DC, area at (202) 512–1530. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Note: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO Access at: www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/ index.html. Dated: November 21, 2007. Michell C. Clark, Assistant Secretary for Management. For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Assistant Secretary for Management of the Department VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:26 Nov 26, 2007 Jkt 214001 The Department identifies the system of records entitled Identification Media Records (18–05–16), as published in the Federal Register on December 26, 2002 (67 FR 78794–96), to be deleted because it has been merged into and consolidated with the following system of records: ALTERED SYSTEM OF RECORDS 18–05–17 SYSTEM NAME: Investigatory Material Compiled for Personnel Security, Suitability, Positive Identification Verification and Access Control for the Department of Education Security Tracking and Reporting System (EDSTAR). SECURITY CLASSIFICATION: None. SYSTEM LOCATIONS: (1) Security Services, Office of Management, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202–5345. (2) U.S. Department of Education, Data Center, 6710 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745–1117. (3) U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Federal Investigations Processing Center, P.O. Box 618, 1137 Branchton Road, Boyers, PA 16018–0618. (4) Verisign, 487 E. Middlefield Road, Mountain View, CA 94043–4047. (5) U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), DOJ Rockville Data Center, 1151–D Seven Locks Road, Rockville, MD 20854–0001. CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM: This system contains information on applicants seeking Federal or contract employment with the Department, current Federal employees and contractors, and other persons or entities doing business with the Department, or persons either seeking unescorted access to the facilities, or access to the information systems of the Department, or both. The system does not cover term employees of less than 30 calendar days with monitored access to either the Department’s facilities or information system, or both. Nor does it cover occasional visitors or short-term guests to the Department to the extent that they are issued non-Personal Identity Verification (PIV) temporary identification. PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 66159 CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM: This system consists of records containing investigative information pertaining to current and former Department employees, current and former contractor personnel, and current employees of entities making offers to the Department for purposes of doing business. This information may include information pertaining to the individuals’ character, conduct, and loyalty to the United States as relevant to determination of their suitability for employment in the Department. This system of records may include an individual’s name, former names, birth date, birth place, Social Security number, home address, phone numbers, employment history, residential history, education and degrees earned, names of associates and references and their contact information, citizenship, names of relatives, birth dates and birth places of relatives, citizenship of relatives, names of relatives who work for the Federal government, mental health history, drug use, financial information, summary report of investigation, results of suitability decisions, level of security clearance, date of issuance of security clearance, requests for appeal, witness statements, investigator’s notes, tax return information, credit reports, security violations, circumstances of violation, and agency action taken. These records also may, as appropriate to the individual being investigated, include the following types of information: (1) Documentation as to his or her arrests and convictions for violations of the law. (2) Reporting as to interviews held with the individual, his or her present and former supervisors, co-workers, associates, neighbors, educators, etc. (3) Correspondence relating to adjudication matters involving the individual. (4) Reports of inquiries made of law enforcement agencies for information about the individual contained in the agencies’ records. (5) Information provided by organizations having association with the individual, such as employers, educational institutions attended, professional or fraternal or social organizations to which the individual is or was a member, etc. (6) Reports of action following an OPM investigation or a Federal Bureau of Investigation Section 8(d) full field investigation. (7) Personal access logs of individuals entering access controlled space. (8) Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Certificates issued under direct guidance from Homeland Security E:\FR\FM\27NON1.SGM 27NON1 66160 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 227 / Tuesday, November 27, 2007 / Notices Presidential Directive (HSPD)–12 and Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS)–201. (9) Personal fingerprint records for identification and criminal records checks. (10) Other information developed from the previous sources. In addition, this system contains records maintained on individuals issued PIV credentials by the Department. These records may include the following data fields: Full name; Social Security number; date of birth; signature; image (photograph); fingerprints; hair color; eye color; height; weight; organization or office of assignment; company name; copy of background investigation form; PIV card issuance and expiration dates; personal identification number (PIN); results of background investigation; PIV request form; PIV registrar approval signature; PIV card serial number; emergency responder designation (if applicable); copies of documents used to verify identification or information derived from those documents such as document title, document issuing authority, document number, document expiration date, document other information); level of national security clearance and expiration date; computer system user name; user access and permission rights, authentication certificates; and digital signature information. For those issued non-PIV identification these fields do not apply. Note 1: OPM and DOJ issue the standard forms used to collect information in this system, i.e. Standard Form (SF) 85, SF–85P, SF–85PS, SF–86, SF–87, and Fingerprint card FD–258. Note 2: To the extent that the Department has records of a personnel investigative nature that come from OPM or its contractors, these records are covered by OPM/CENTRAL–9, Personnel Investigations Records, and are not covered by this system notice. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM: HSPD–12, Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors (August 27, 2004); Executive Orders 10450, 18 FR 2489, 3 CFR 1949–1953 Comp., p. 936); 10577 (3 CFR 1954–1958 Comp., p. 218); and 12968 (Access to Classified Information); 5 U.S.C. 3301 and 7301; Federal Property and Administrative Act of 1949, as amended through Public Law 106–580; and 5 CFR parts 5, 731, 732, and 736. PURPOSE(S): Records in this system are maintained to assist in making determinations concerning suitability for Federal VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:26 Nov 26, 2007 Jkt 214001 employment, security clearances, access to classified information, unescorted access to Federal government owned and Federal government leased facilities or restricted areas, and evaluations as to acceptability for performance under Federal contracts or other agreements with the Federal government. Purposes of this system also include: Ensuring the safety and security of Federal facilities, systems, and information resources, as well as the safety and security of the occupants and users of these facilities, systems, and information resources; verifying that persons entering Federal facilities and using Federal systems and information resources, are authorized to do so; and tracking and controlling PIV cards issued to persons entering the Federal government’s facilities and using its systems and information resources. ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES OF USERS AND THE PURPOSES OF SUCH USES: The Department may disclose information contained in a record in this system of records under the routine uses listed in this system of records without the consent of the individual if the disclosure is compatible with the purposes for which the record was collected. The Department may make these disclosures on a case-by-case basis or, if the Department has complied with the computer matching requirements of the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1998, as amended, under a computer matching agreement. (1) Program Purpose. The Department may disclose records from this system of records to any source or potential source from which information is requested in the course of an investigation concerning the suitability or retention of an employee or a contractor, or the retention of a security clearance, contract, grant, license, or other benefit, to the extent necessary to identify the individual being investigated, inform the source of the nature and purpose of the investigation, and to identify the type of information requested. (2) Enforcement Disclosure. The Department may disclose relevant records to a Federal, State, local, foreign, or tribal entity or other public authority responsible for the investigation, prosecution, enforcement, or implementation of a statute, rule, regulation, or order, when a record on its face or in combination with any other information indicates a violation or potential violation of law (whether civil, criminal, or regulatory in nature) if that information is relevant to any enforcement, regulatory, investigative, or prosecutorial responsibility of the PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 receiving entity. It is Office of Management policy not to disclose records under this routine use that pertain to those questions for which the Office of Management has promised confidentiality under SF–85P, Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions. (3) Contract Disclosure. If the Department contracts with an entity for the purpose of performing any function that requires disclosure of records in this system to employees of the contractor, the Department may disclose the records as a routine use to those employees. Before entering into such a contract, the Department shall require the contractor to maintain Privacy Act safeguards as required under 5 U.S.C. 552a(m) with respect to the records in the system. (4) Litigation or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Disclosure. (a) Introduction. In the event that one of the following parties is involved in litigation or ADR, or has an interest in litigation or ADR, the Department may disclose certain records to the parties described in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this routine use under the conditions specified in those paragraphs: (i) The Department or any of its components. (ii) Any Department employee in his or her official capacity. (iii) Any employee of the Department in his or her individual capacity where the DOJ has agreed to or has been requested to provide or arrange for representation of the employee. (iv) Any employee of the Department in his or her individual capacity where the Department has agreed to represent the employee. (v) The United States where the Department determines that the litigation is likely to affect the Department or any of its components. (b) Disclosure to the DOJ. If the Department determines that disclosure of certain records to the DOJ or attorneys engaged by DOJ is relevant and necessary to litigation or ADR and is compatible with the purpose for which the records were collected, the Department may disclose those records as a routine use to DOJ. (c) Adjudicative Disclosure. If the Department determines that disclosure of certain records to an adjudicative body before which the Department is authorized to appear or to an individual or entity designated by the Department or otherwise empowered to resolve or mediate disputes is relevant and necessary to litigation or ADR and is compatible with the purpose for which the records were collected, the Department may disclose those records E:\FR\FM\27NON1.SGM 27NON1 pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 227 / Tuesday, November 27, 2007 / Notices as a routine use to the adjudicative body, individual, or entity. (d) Disclosure to Parties, Counsel, Representative, or Witnesses. If the Department determines that disclosure of certain records to a party, an opposing counsel, representative, or witness is relevant and necessary to litigation or ADR and is compatible with the purpose for which the records were collected, the Department may disclose those records as a routine use to a party, counsel, representative, or witness. (5) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Advice Disclosure. The Department may disclose information from this system of records to DOJ for the purpose of obtaining advice regarding the releasability of records maintained in this system of records under the FOIA and the Privacy Act of 1974. (6) Congressional Member Disclosure. The Department may disclose information from this system of records to a Member of Congress or to a Congressional staff member in response to an inquiry of the Congressional office made at the written request of the constituent about whom the record is maintained. (7) Disclosure for Use by Other Law Enforcement Agencies. The Department may disclose information from this system of records to any Federal, State, local or foreign agency or other public authority responsible for enforcing, investigating, or prosecuting violations of administrative, civil, or criminal law or regulation if that information is relevant to any enforcement, investigative, or prosecutorial responsibility within the receiving entity’s jurisdiction. (8) Disclosure for Use for Intelligence Activities. The Department may disclose information from this system of records to Federal, State, or local agencies, other appropriate entities or individuals, or, through established liaison channels, to selected foreign governments, in order to enable an intelligence agency to carry out its responsibilities as authorized by law, including the National Security Act of 1947 as amended, the CIA Act of 1949 as amended, Executive Order 12333 or any successor order, applicable national security directives, or classified implementing procedures approved by the Attorney General and promulgated pursuant to such statutes, orders or directives. (9) Employment, Benefits, and Contracting Disclosure. (a) For Decisions by the Department. The Department may disclose information from this system of records to a Federal, State, or local agency or to another public authority or professional organization, VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:26 Nov 26, 2007 Jkt 214001 to obtain information relevant to the Department’s conduct of a security or suitability investigation of an individual seeking employment, licensure, other benefits, or to perform contractual services for, or to otherwise associate with, the Department. (b) For Decisions by Other Public Agencies and Professional Organizations. The Department may disclose information from this system of records to a Federal, State, local, or foreign agency, or other public authority or professional organization, so that the receiving entity may obtain information relevant to its conduct of a security or suitability investigation of an individual seeking employment, licensure, other benefits, or to perform contractual services for, or to otherwise associate with, the receiving entity. (10) Employee Grievance, Complaint, or Conduct Disclosure. If a record is relevant and necessary to a grievance, complaint, or disciplinary proceeding regarding a present or former employee of the Department, the Department may disclose the record in the course of an investigation, fact-finding, or adjudication to another agency of the Federal government, or to any witness, designated fact-finder, mediator, or other person designated to resolve issues or decide the matter. The disclosure may only be made during the course of the investigation or the proceeding. (11) Disclosure in the Course of Responding to Breach of Data. The Department may disclose records to appropriate agencies, entities, and persons when (a) it is suspected or confirmed that the security or confidentiality of information in this system has been compromised; (b) the Department has determined that as a result of the suspected or confirmed compromise there is a risk of harm to economic or property interests, identity theft or fraud, or harm to the security or integrity of this system or other systems or programs (whether maintained by the Department or by another agency or entity) that rely upon the compromised information; and (c) the disclosure is made to such agencies, entities, and persons who are reasonably necessary to assist the Department in responding to the suspected or confirmed compromise and in helping the Department prevent, minimize, or remedy such harm. (12) Disclosure to Protect Safety and Security of Department Employees, Customers, and Facilities. The Department may disclose to Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies and private security contractors, as appropriate, information that the Department deems necessary in PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 66161 order to: (a) Assist with the protection of the safety of Department employees and customers, the security of the Department’s workplace, or the operation of the Department’s facilities or information systems; or (b) assist with investigations or prosecutions with respect to activities that affect such safety and security or activities that disrupt the operation of the Department. Note 3: Disclosures within the Department of data pertaining to date and time of entry and exit of a Department employee working in the District of Columbia may not be made to supervisors, managers, or any other persons (other than the individual to whom the information applies) to verify employee time and attendance records for personnel actions because 5 U.S.C. 6106 prohibits Federal Executive agencies (other than the Bureau of Engraving and Printing) from using a recording clock within the District of Columbia, unless used as a part of a flexible schedule or compressed work schedule under 5 U.S.C. 6120, et seq. POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF STORING, RETRIEVING, ACCESSING, RETAINING, AND DISPOSING OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM: STORAGE: Records are maintained on paper and in electronic form. Paper records are stored in fire resistant locked file cabinets in locked access-controlled rooms. Within the locked accesscontrolled room, electronic files are encrypted and stored in alarmed electronic retrieval file systems. The data servers, the laptops, and the desk computers where the data resides are in locked access-controlled rooms. PIV identification card data on cardholders entering the Department’s facilities is stored in an encrypted database. RETRIEVABILITY: Electronic and paper records are retrieved by an unique identifying number by the Department pursuant to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 201, Personal Identity Verification for Federal Employees and Contractors; this number is cross-referenced to the name of the individual. SAFEGUARDS: All physical access to the Department’s sites, and the sites of the Department’s contractors where this system of records is maintained, is controlled and monitored by security personnel who check each individual entering the building for his or her employee or visitor badge. In accordance with the Department’s Administrative Communications System (ACS) Directive OM: 5–101 entitled E:\FR\FM\27NON1.SGM 27NON1 66162 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 227 / Tuesday, November 27, 2007 / Notices ‘‘Contractor Employee Personnel Security Screenings,’’ all contract and Department personnel who have facility access and system access are required to undergo a security clearance investigation. Individuals requiring access to Privacy Act data are required to hold, at a minimum, a moderate-risk security clearance level. These individuals are required to undergo periodic screening at five-year intervals. In addition to undergoing a security clearance investigation, contract and Department personnel are required to complete security awareness training on an annual basis. This training is required to ensure that contract and Department users are trained appropriately in safeguarding Privacy Act data in accordance with OMB Circular No. A–130, Appendix III. Computer databases are kept on encrypted servers on an isolated virtual local area network (V–LAN) that is not connected to any outside network including the Internet. Database accessibility is restricted to hard wire network connection from within the Office Management, Security Services, and direct Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) line to the Department of Justice (DOJ), or via secure portal to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Authorized log-on codes and passwords prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to data and system resources. All users have unique log-on codes and passwords. The password scheme requires that users must change passwords every 60 days and may not repeat the old password. Any individual attempting to log on who fails is locked out of the system after three attempts. Access after that time requires intervention by the system manager. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES RETENTION AND DISPOSAL: Most background investigative records are maintained in accordance with General Records Schedule (GRS) 18, Item 22—destroy not later than five years after separation or transfer of employee or no later than five years after contract relationship expires, whichever is later. Records are destroyed by deletion or shredding. Reports of background investigations conducted by the Office of Inspector General under delegated authority of the OPM are retained in accordance with OPM retention standards for similar records, pending National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) approval. Records will be maintained for 15 years after the last investigative activity, except investigations involving potentially actionable issue(s) will be maintained for 25 years after the last VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:26 Nov 26, 2007 Jkt 214001 investigative activity and then destroyed by deletion or shredding. Personal access logs of individuals entering controlled space are retained in accordance with GRS 18, Item 17. In the Department’s secured facilities, records are destroyed five years after final entry or five years after date of document, as appropriate. For all other facilities, records are destroyed two years after final entry or two years after date of document, as appropriate. Records are destroyed by deletion or shredding. PKI certificates and PIV cards issued under guidance of HSPD–12 and FIPS– 201 will be retained in accordance with the pending GRS disposition authority as issued by NARA, or in a NARAapproved, Departmental records retention schedule, as appropriate. entities, other departmental components, State, local, and foreign governments; (b) Applications and other personnel and security forms; (c) Personal investigation, written inquiry, interview, and the electronic accessing of computer databases of sources, such as the OPM system of records known as Personnel Investigations Records (OPM/Central-9), employers, educational institutions, references, neighbors, associates, police departments, courts, credit bureaus, medical records, probation officials, prison officials, DOJ, newspapers, magazines, periodicals, and other publications; and (d) Confidential sources. SYSTEM MANAGER(S) AND ADDRESS: Security Services, Office of Management, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 2W314, Washington, DC 20202– 5345. NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE: If an individual wishes to determine whether a record exists regarding him or her in this system of records, the individual must contact the system manager and provide his or her name, date of birth, social security number, signature, and the address to which the record information should be sent. This information is required to ensure the positive identification of the person’s record in the system. Requests for notification about an individual must meet the requirements of the regulations in 34 CFR 5b.5. RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURE: If an individual wishes to gain access to a record in this system, he or she must contact the system manager and provide information as described in the notification procedure. CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURE: If an individual wishes to change the content of a record in the system of records, he or she must contact the system manager with the information described in the notification procedure, identify the specific item or items to be changed, and provide a written justification for the change, including any supporting documentation. Requests to amend a record must meet the requirements of the regulations in 34 CFR 5b.7. RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES: Information contained in this system of records is obtained from— (a) Investigative and other record material furnished by other Federal PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 EXEMPTIONS CLAIMED FOR THE SYSTEM: The Secretary has exempted by regulation—in 34 CFR 5b.11(d)—this system of records only to the extent that the information is investigatory material compiled solely for the purpose of determining suitability, eligibility, or qualifications for Federal civilian employment, Federal contracts, or access to classified information from the following provisions of the Privacy Act pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(5): (1) 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), regarding access to an accounting of disclosures of records. (2) 5 U.S.C. 552a(d)(1) through (4) and (f), regarding notification of and access to records and correction or amendment of records. (3) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)(G) and (H) regarding inclusion of information in the system notice about procedures for notification, access, and correction of records. As indicated in 34 CFR 5b.11(f), individuals will be provided access to information in this system, except when, in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(5): (1) The disclosure of such information would reveal the identity of a source who furnished information to the Government under an express promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence; or (2) The information was obtained prior to September 28, 1975 and the disclosure of such information would reveal the identity of the source under an implied promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence. [FR Doc. E7–23059 Filed 11–26–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P E:\FR\FM\27NON1.SGM 27NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 227 (Tuesday, November 27, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66158-66162]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-23059]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records--Investigatory Material 
Compiled for Personnel Security, Suitability, Positive Identification 
Verification and Access Control for the Department of Education 
Security Tracking and Reporting System (EDSTAR)

AGENCY: Office of Management, Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice of altered and deleted systems of records.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended 
(Privacy Act), the Department of Education (Department), publishes this 
notice to amend and rename the system of records entitled 
``Investigatory Material Compiled for Personnel Security and 
Suitability Purposes'' (18-05-17) as ``Investigatory Material Compiled 
for Personnel Security, Suitability, Positive Identification 
Verification and Access Control for the Department of Education 
Security Tracking and Reporting System (EDSTAR)'' (18-05-17) and to 
delete the system of records entitled ``Identification Media Records'' 
(18-05-16). The Department is taking these actions because these 
systems of records have been merged into and consolidated with the 
EDSTAR system of records.
    EDSTAR is designed to implement the requirements of Homeland 
Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-12. HSPD-12 is a Presidential 
directive that requires the promulgation of a Federal standard to 
ensure a common, governmentwide standard for secure and reliable forms 
of Personal Identity Verification (PIV). On February 25, 2005, the 
National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST's) Computer 
Security Division issued Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 
201, entitled ``Personal Identity Verification of Federal Employees and 
Contractors'', in order to satisfy the requirements of HSPD-12 to 
improve the identification and authentication of Federal employees and 
contractors for access to Federal facilities and information systems.
    The Department maintains records in EDSTAR for the purpose of 
making individual positive identification verification, adjudication 
determinations concerning suitability for Federal employment and 
contract positions, decisions concerning access to the Department's 
facilities and information systems, and information related to the 
issuance of PIV and FIPS compliant identification media and access to 
restricted areas. Because many of these records are currently covered 
by the systems of records entitled ``Identification Media Records'' 
(18-05-16) and ``Investigatory Material Compiled for Personnel Security 
and Suitability Purposes'' (18-05-17), the Department is merging and 
consolidating these systems of records by amending and renaming the 
``Investigatory Material Compiled for Personnel Security and 
Suitability Purposes'' (18-05-17) system as EDSTAR and deleting the 
system of records for ``Identification Media Records'' (18-05-16).

DATES: We must receive your comments about the altered and deleted 
systems of records notice on or before December 27, 2007.
    The Department filed a report describing the altered system of 
records covered by this notice with the Chair of the Senate Committee 
on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Chair of the House 
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Administrator of 
the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) on November 21, 2007. The altered system of records 
will become effective at the later date of--(1) The expiration of the 
40-day period for OMB review on December 31, 2007 or (2) December 27, 
2007, unless the system of records needs to be changed as a result of 
public comment or OMB review.

ADDRESSES: Address all comments about the altered and deleted systems 
of records to Cecelia E. Briscoe, Senior Program Analyst, Security 
Services, Office of Management, Room 2W312, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202-5345. If you 
prefer to send comments through the Internet, use the following 
address: Security.Services@Ed.gov.
    You must include the term ``EDSTAR Comments'' in the subject line 
of your electronic message.
    During and after the comment period, you may inspect all public 
comments about this notice at the U.S. Department of Education in room 
2W330, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, between the hours of 8 
a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday of each week 
except Federal holidays.

Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities in Reviewing the Rulemaking 
Record

    On request, we will supply an appropriate aid, such as a reader or 
print magnifier, to an individual with a disability who needs 
assistance to review the comments or other documents in the public 
rulemaking record for this notice. If you want to schedule an 
appointment for this type of aid, please contact the person listed 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colette Hawley, Security Services, 
Office of Management, room 2W312, U.S. Department of Education, 400 
Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202-5345. Telephone number: 
(202) 401-2993. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf 
(TDD), you may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339.
    Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an 
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer 
diskette) on

[[Page 66159]]

request to the contact person listed in the preceding paragraph.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    The Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)) requires the Department to 
publish in the Federal Register this notice of an altered system of 
records maintained by the Department. The Department's regulations 
implementing the Privacy Act are contained in part 5b of title 34 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
    The Privacy Act applies to information about individuals that is 
maintained in a system of records from which individually identifying 
information is retrieved by a unique identifier associated with each 
individual, such as a name or social security number. The information 
about each individual is called a ``record,'' and the system, whether 
manual or computer-based, is called a ``system of records.'' The 
Privacy Act requires each agency to publish notices of new or altered 
systems of records in the Federal Register and to submit reports to the 
Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, 
the Chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, 
and the Chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and 
Governmental Affairs, whenever the agency publishes a new or altered 
system of records.

Electronic Access to This Document

    You can view this document, as well as all other documents of this 
Department published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable 
Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: 
www.ed.gov/news/fedregister.
    To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available 
free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. 
Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in 
the Washington, DC, area at (202) 512-1530.

    Note: The official version of this document is the document 
published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the 
official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal 
Regulations is available on GPO Access at: www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/
index.html.


    Dated: November 21, 2007.
Michell C. Clark,
Assistant Secretary for Management.
    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Assistant Secretary 
for Management of the Department publishes a notice of altered and 
deleted systems of records to read as follows:
DELETED SYSTEM OF RECORDS
    The Department identifies the system of records entitled 
Identification Media Records (18-05-16), as published in the Federal 
Register on December 26, 2002 (67 FR 78794-96), to be deleted because 
it has been merged into and consolidated with the following system of 
records:
ALTERED SYSTEM OF RECORDS

18-05-17
SYSTEM NAME:
    Investigatory Material Compiled for Personnel Security, 
Suitability, Positive Identification Verification and Access Control 
for the Department of Education Security Tracking and Reporting System 
(EDSTAR).

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION:
    None.

SYSTEM LOCATIONS:
    (1) Security Services, Office of Management, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202-5345.
    (2) U.S. Department of Education, Data Center, 6710 Oxon Hill Road, 
Oxon Hill, MD 20745-1117.
    (3) U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Federal 
Investigations Processing Center, P.O. Box 618, 1137 Branchton Road, 
Boyers, PA 16018-0618.
    (4) Verisign, 487 E. Middlefield Road, Mountain View, CA 94043-
4047.
    (5) U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), DOJ Rockville Data Center, 
1151-D Seven Locks Road, Rockville, MD 20854-0001.

CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM:
    This system contains information on applicants seeking Federal or 
contract employment with the Department, current Federal employees and 
contractors, and other persons or entities doing business with the 
Department, or persons either seeking unescorted access to the 
facilities, or access to the information systems of the Department, or 
both. The system does not cover term employees of less than 30 calendar 
days with monitored access to either the Department's facilities or 
information system, or both. Nor does it cover occasional visitors or 
short-term guests to the Department to the extent that they are issued 
non-Personal Identity Verification (PIV) temporary identification.

CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
    This system consists of records containing investigative 
information pertaining to current and former Department employees, 
current and former contractor personnel, and current employees of 
entities making offers to the Department for purposes of doing 
business. This information may include information pertaining to the 
individuals' character, conduct, and loyalty to the United States as 
relevant to determination of their suitability for employment in the 
Department. This system of records may include an individual's name, 
former names, birth date, birth place, Social Security number, home 
address, phone numbers, employment history, residential history, 
education and degrees earned, names of associates and references and 
their contact information, citizenship, names of relatives, birth dates 
and birth places of relatives, citizenship of relatives, names of 
relatives who work for the Federal government, mental health history, 
drug use, financial information, summary report of investigation, 
results of suitability decisions, level of security clearance, date of 
issuance of security clearance, requests for appeal, witness 
statements, investigator's notes, tax return information, credit 
reports, security violations, circumstances of violation, and agency 
action taken.
    These records also may, as appropriate to the individual being 
investigated, include the following types of information:
    (1) Documentation as to his or her arrests and convictions for 
violations of the law.
    (2) Reporting as to interviews held with the individual, his or her 
present and former supervisors, co-workers, associates, neighbors, 
educators, etc.
    (3) Correspondence relating to adjudication matters involving the 
individual.
    (4) Reports of inquiries made of law enforcement agencies for 
information about the individual contained in the agencies' records.
    (5) Information provided by organizations having association with 
the individual, such as employers, educational institutions attended, 
professional or fraternal or social organizations to which the 
individual is or was a member, etc.
    (6) Reports of action following an OPM investigation or a Federal 
Bureau of Investigation Section 8(d) full field investigation.
    (7) Personal access logs of individuals entering access controlled 
space.
    (8) Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Certificates issued under 
direct guidance from Homeland Security

[[Page 66160]]

Presidential Directive (HSPD)-12 and Federal Information Processing 
Standard (FIPS)-201.
    (9) Personal fingerprint records for identification and criminal 
records checks.
    (10) Other information developed from the previous sources.
    In addition, this system contains records maintained on individuals 
issued PIV credentials by the Department. These records may include the 
following data fields: Full name; Social Security number; date of 
birth; signature; image (photograph); fingerprints; hair color; eye 
color; height; weight; organization or office of assignment; company 
name; copy of background investigation form; PIV card issuance and 
expiration dates; personal identification number (PIN); results of 
background investigation; PIV request form; PIV registrar approval 
signature; PIV card serial number; emergency responder designation (if 
applicable); copies of documents used to verify identification or 
information derived from those documents such as document title, 
document issuing authority, document number, document expiration date, 
document other information); level of national security clearance and 
expiration date; computer system user name; user access and permission 
rights, authentication certificates; and digital signature information. 
For those issued non-PIV identification these fields do not apply.

    Note 1: OPM and DOJ issue the standard forms used to collect 
information in this system, i.e. Standard Form (SF) 85, SF-85P, SF-
85PS, SF-86, SF-87, and Fingerprint card FD-258.


    Note 2: To the extent that the Department has records of a 
personnel investigative nature that come from OPM or its 
contractors, these records are covered by OPM/CENTRAL-9, Personnel 
Investigations Records, and are not covered by this system notice.

AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM:
    HSPD-12, Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal 
Employees and Contractors (August 27, 2004); Executive Orders 10450, 18 
FR 2489, 3 CFR 1949-1953 Comp., p. 936); 10577 (3 CFR 1954-1958 Comp., 
p. 218); and 12968 (Access to Classified Information); 5 U.S.C. 3301 
and 7301; Federal Property and Administrative Act of 1949, as amended 
through Public Law 106-580; and 5 CFR parts 5, 731, 732, and 736.

PURPOSE(S):
    Records in this system are maintained to assist in making 
determinations concerning suitability for Federal employment, security 
clearances, access to classified information, unescorted access to 
Federal government owned and Federal government leased facilities or 
restricted areas, and evaluations as to acceptability for performance 
under Federal contracts or other agreements with the Federal 
government. Purposes of this system also include: Ensuring the safety 
and security of Federal facilities, systems, and information resources, 
as well as the safety and security of the occupants and users of these 
facilities, systems, and information resources; verifying that persons 
entering Federal facilities and using Federal systems and information 
resources, are authorized to do so; and tracking and controlling PIV 
cards issued to persons entering the Federal government's facilities 
and using its systems and information resources.

ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES 
OF USERS AND THE PURPOSES OF SUCH USES:
    The Department may disclose information contained in a record in 
this system of records under the routine uses listed in this system of 
records without the consent of the individual if the disclosure is 
compatible with the purposes for which the record was collected. The 
Department may make these disclosures on a case-by-case basis or, if 
the Department has complied with the computer matching requirements of 
the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1998, as amended, 
under a computer matching agreement.
    (1) Program Purpose. The Department may disclose records from this 
system of records to any source or potential source from which 
information is requested in the course of an investigation concerning 
the suitability or retention of an employee or a contractor, or the 
retention of a security clearance, contract, grant, license, or other 
benefit, to the extent necessary to identify the individual being 
investigated, inform the source of the nature and purpose of the 
investigation, and to identify the type of information requested.
    (2) Enforcement Disclosure. The Department may disclose relevant 
records to a Federal, State, local, foreign, or tribal entity or other 
public authority responsible for the investigation, prosecution, 
enforcement, or implementation of a statute, rule, regulation, or 
order, when a record on its face or in combination with any other 
information indicates a violation or potential violation of law 
(whether civil, criminal, or regulatory in nature) if that information 
is relevant to any enforcement, regulatory, investigative, or 
prosecutorial responsibility of the receiving entity. It is Office of 
Management policy not to disclose records under this routine use that 
pertain to those questions for which the Office of Management has 
promised confidentiality under SF-85P, Questionnaire for Public Trust 
Positions.
    (3) Contract Disclosure. If the Department contracts with an entity 
for the purpose of performing any function that requires disclosure of 
records in this system to employees of the contractor, the Department 
may disclose the records as a routine use to those employees. Before 
entering into such a contract, the Department shall require the 
contractor to maintain Privacy Act safeguards as required under 5 
U.S.C. 552a(m) with respect to the records in the system.
    (4) Litigation or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Disclosure. 
(a) Introduction. In the event that one of the following parties is 
involved in litigation or ADR, or has an interest in litigation or ADR, 
the Department may disclose certain records to the parties described in 
paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this routine use under the conditions 
specified in those paragraphs:
    (i) The Department or any of its components.
    (ii) Any Department employee in his or her official capacity.
    (iii) Any employee of the Department in his or her individual 
capacity where the DOJ has agreed to or has been requested to provide 
or arrange for representation of the employee.
    (iv) Any employee of the Department in his or her individual 
capacity where the Department has agreed to represent the employee.
    (v) The United States where the Department determines that the 
litigation is likely to affect the Department or any of its components.
    (b) Disclosure to the DOJ. If the Department determines that 
disclosure of certain records to the DOJ or attorneys engaged by DOJ is 
relevant and necessary to litigation or ADR and is compatible with the 
purpose for which the records were collected, the Department may 
disclose those records as a routine use to DOJ.
    (c) Adjudicative Disclosure. If the Department determines that 
disclosure of certain records to an adjudicative body before which the 
Department is authorized to appear or to an individual or entity 
designated by the Department or otherwise empowered to resolve or 
mediate disputes is relevant and necessary to litigation or ADR and is 
compatible with the purpose for which the records were collected, the 
Department may disclose those records

[[Page 66161]]

as a routine use to the adjudicative body, individual, or entity.
    (d) Disclosure to Parties, Counsel, Representative, or Witnesses. 
If the Department determines that disclosure of certain records to a 
party, an opposing counsel, representative, or witness is relevant and 
necessary to litigation or ADR and is compatible with the purpose for 
which the records were collected, the Department may disclose those 
records as a routine use to a party, counsel, representative, or 
witness.
    (5) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Advice Disclosure. The 
Department may disclose information from this system of records to DOJ 
for the purpose of obtaining advice regarding the releasability of 
records maintained in this system of records under the FOIA and the 
Privacy Act of 1974.
    (6) Congressional Member Disclosure. The Department may disclose 
information from this system of records to a Member of Congress or to a 
Congressional staff member in response to an inquiry of the 
Congressional office made at the written request of the constituent 
about whom the record is maintained.
    (7) Disclosure for Use by Other Law Enforcement Agencies. The 
Department may disclose information from this system of records to any 
Federal, State, local or foreign agency or other public authority 
responsible for enforcing, investigating, or prosecuting violations of 
administrative, civil, or criminal law or regulation if that 
information is relevant to any enforcement, investigative, or 
prosecutorial responsibility within the receiving entity's 
jurisdiction.
    (8) Disclosure for Use for Intelligence Activities. The Department 
may disclose information from this system of records to Federal, State, 
or local agencies, other appropriate entities or individuals, or, 
through established liaison channels, to selected foreign governments, 
in order to enable an intelligence agency to carry out its 
responsibilities as authorized by law, including the National Security 
Act of 1947 as amended, the CIA Act of 1949 as amended, Executive Order 
12333 or any successor order, applicable national security directives, 
or classified implementing procedures approved by the Attorney General 
and promulgated pursuant to such statutes, orders or directives.
    (9) Employment, Benefits, and Contracting Disclosure. (a) For 
Decisions by the Department. The Department may disclose information 
from this system of records to a Federal, State, or local agency or to 
another public authority or professional organization, to obtain 
information relevant to the Department's conduct of a security or 
suitability investigation of an individual seeking employment, 
licensure, other benefits, or to perform contractual services for, or 
to otherwise associate with, the Department.
    (b) For Decisions by Other Public Agencies and Professional 
Organizations. The Department may disclose information from this system 
of records to a Federal, State, local, or foreign agency, or other 
public authority or professional organization, so that the receiving 
entity may obtain information relevant to its conduct of a security or 
suitability investigation of an individual seeking employment, 
licensure, other benefits, or to perform contractual services for, or 
to otherwise associate with, the receiving entity.
    (10) Employee Grievance, Complaint, or Conduct Disclosure. If a 
record is relevant and necessary to a grievance, complaint, or 
disciplinary proceeding regarding a present or former employee of the 
Department, the Department may disclose the record in the course of an 
investigation, fact-finding, or adjudication to another agency of the 
Federal government, or to any witness, designated fact-finder, 
mediator, or other person designated to resolve issues or decide the 
matter. The disclosure may only be made during the course of the 
investigation or the proceeding.
    (11) Disclosure in the Course of Responding to Breach of Data. The 
Department may disclose records to appropriate agencies, entities, and 
persons when (a) it is suspected or confirmed that the security or 
confidentiality of information in this system has been compromised; (b) 
the Department has determined that as a result of the suspected or 
confirmed compromise there is a risk of harm to economic or property 
interests, identity theft or fraud, or harm to the security or 
integrity of this system or other systems or programs (whether 
maintained by the Department or by another agency or entity) that rely 
upon the compromised information; and (c) the disclosure is made to 
such agencies, entities, and persons who are reasonably necessary to 
assist the Department in responding to the suspected or confirmed 
compromise and in helping the Department prevent, minimize, or remedy 
such harm.
    (12) Disclosure to Protect Safety and Security of Department 
Employees, Customers, and Facilities. The Department may disclose to 
Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies and private security 
contractors, as appropriate, information that the Department deems 
necessary in order to: (a) Assist with the protection of the safety of 
Department employees and customers, the security of the Department's 
workplace, or the operation of the Department's facilities or 
information systems; or (b) assist with investigations or prosecutions 
with respect to activities that affect such safety and security or 
activities that disrupt the operation of the Department.

    Note 3: Disclosures within the Department of data pertaining to 
date and time of entry and exit of a Department employee working in 
the District of Columbia may not be made to supervisors, managers, 
or any other persons (other than the individual to whom the 
information applies) to verify employee time and attendance records 
for personnel actions because 5 U.S.C. 6106 prohibits Federal 
Executive agencies (other than the Bureau of Engraving and Printing) 
from using a recording clock within the District of Columbia, unless 
used as a part of a flexible schedule or compressed work schedule 
under 5 U.S.C. 6120, et seq.

POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF STORING, RETRIEVING, ACCESSING, RETAINING, 
AND DISPOSING OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
STORAGE:
    Records are maintained on paper and in electronic form. Paper 
records are stored in fire resistant locked file cabinets in locked 
access-controlled rooms. Within the locked access-controlled room, 
electronic files are encrypted and stored in alarmed electronic 
retrieval file systems. The data servers, the laptops, and the desk 
computers where the data resides are in locked access-controlled rooms.
    PIV identification card data on cardholders entering the 
Department's facilities is stored in an encrypted database.

RETRIEVABILITY:
    Electronic and paper records are retrieved by an unique identifying 
number by the Department pursuant to the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology (NIST), Federal Information Processing 
Standard (FIPS) 201, Personal Identity Verification for Federal 
Employees and Contractors; this number is cross-referenced to the name 
of the individual.

SAFEGUARDS:
    All physical access to the Department's sites, and the sites of the 
Department's contractors where this system of records is maintained, is 
controlled and monitored by security personnel who check each 
individual entering the building for his or her employee or visitor 
badge.
    In accordance with the Department's Administrative Communications 
System (ACS) Directive OM: 5-101 entitled

[[Page 66162]]

``Contractor Employee Personnel Security Screenings,'' all contract and 
Department personnel who have facility access and system access are 
required to undergo a security clearance investigation. Individuals 
requiring access to Privacy Act data are required to hold, at a 
minimum, a moderate-risk security clearance level. These individuals 
are required to undergo periodic screening at five-year intervals.
    In addition to undergoing a security clearance investigation, 
contract and Department personnel are required to complete security 
awareness training on an annual basis. This training is required to 
ensure that contract and Department users are trained appropriately in 
safeguarding Privacy Act data in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-
130, Appendix III.
    Computer databases are kept on encrypted servers on an isolated 
virtual local area network (V-LAN) that is not connected to any outside 
network including the Internet. Database accessibility is restricted to 
hard wire network connection from within the Office Management, 
Security Services, and direct Integrated Services Digital Network 
(ISDN) line to the Department of Justice (DOJ), or via secure portal to 
the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Authorized log-on codes and 
passwords prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to data and 
system resources. All users have unique log-on codes and passwords. The 
password scheme requires that users must change passwords every 60 days 
and may not repeat the old password.
    Any individual attempting to log on who fails is locked out of the 
system after three attempts. Access after that time requires 
intervention by the system manager.

RETENTION AND DISPOSAL:
    Most background investigative records are maintained in accordance 
with General Records Schedule (GRS) 18, Item 22--destroy not later than 
five years after separation or transfer of employee or no later than 
five years after contract relationship expires, whichever is later. 
Records are destroyed by deletion or shredding.
    Reports of background investigations conducted by the Office of 
Inspector General under delegated authority of the OPM are retained in 
accordance with OPM retention standards for similar records, pending 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) approval. Records 
will be maintained for 15 years after the last investigative activity, 
except investigations involving potentially actionable issue(s) will be 
maintained for 25 years after the last investigative activity and then 
destroyed by deletion or shredding.
    Personal access logs of individuals entering controlled space are 
retained in accordance with GRS 18, Item 17. In the Department's 
secured facilities, records are destroyed five years after final entry 
or five years after date of document, as appropriate. For all other 
facilities, records are destroyed two years after final entry or two 
years after date of document, as appropriate. Records are destroyed by 
deletion or shredding.
    PKI certificates and PIV cards issued under guidance of HSPD-12 and 
FIPS-201 will be retained in accordance with the pending GRS 
disposition authority as issued by NARA, or in a NARA-approved, 
Departmental records retention schedule, as appropriate.

SYSTEM MANAGER(S) AND ADDRESS:
    Security Services, Office of Management, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 2W314, Washington, DC 20202-
5345.

NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE:
    If an individual wishes to determine whether a record exists 
regarding him or her in this system of records, the individual must 
contact the system manager and provide his or her name, date of birth, 
social security number, signature, and the address to which the record 
information should be sent. This information is required to ensure the 
positive identification of the person's record in the system. Requests 
for notification about an individual must meet the requirements of the 
regulations in 34 CFR 5b.5.

RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURE:
    If an individual wishes to gain access to a record in this system, 
he or she must contact the system manager and provide information as 
described in the notification procedure.

CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURE:
    If an individual wishes to change the content of a record in the 
system of records, he or she must contact the system manager with the 
information described in the notification procedure, identify the 
specific item or items to be changed, and provide a written 
justification for the change, including any supporting documentation. 
Requests to amend a record must meet the requirements of the 
regulations in 34 CFR 5b.7.

RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES:
    Information contained in this system of records is obtained from--
    (a) Investigative and other record material furnished by other 
Federal entities, other departmental components, State, local, and 
foreign governments;
    (b) Applications and other personnel and security forms;
    (c) Personal investigation, written inquiry, interview, and the 
electronic accessing of computer databases of sources, such as the OPM 
system of records known as Personnel Investigations Records (OPM/
Central-9), employers, educational institutions, references, neighbors, 
associates, police departments, courts, credit bureaus, medical 
records, probation officials, prison officials, DOJ, newspapers, 
magazines, periodicals, and other publications; and
    (d) Confidential sources.

EXEMPTIONS CLAIMED FOR THE SYSTEM:
    The Secretary has exempted by regulation--in 34 CFR 5b.11(d)--this 
system of records only to the extent that the information is 
investigatory material compiled solely for the purpose of determining 
suitability, eligibility, or qualifications for Federal civilian 
employment, Federal contracts, or access to classified information from 
the following provisions of the Privacy Act pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
552a(k)(5):
    (1) 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), regarding access to an accounting of 
disclosures of records.
    (2) 5 U.S.C. 552a(d)(1) through (4) and (f), regarding notification 
of and access to records and correction or amendment of records.
    (3) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)(G) and (H) regarding inclusion of 
information in the system notice about procedures for notification, 
access, and correction of records.
    As indicated in 34 CFR 5b.11(f), individuals will be provided 
access to information in this system, except when, in accordance with 
the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(5):
    (1) The disclosure of such information would reveal the identity of 
a source who furnished information to the Government under an express 
promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence; or
    (2) The information was obtained prior to September 28, 1975 and 
the disclosure of such information would reveal the identity of the 
source under an implied promise that the identity of the source would 
be held in confidence.

[FR Doc. E7-23059 Filed 11-26-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
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