Assessment & Authorization (A&A) Analyst –Team Lead

Leidos•Ashburn, VA

21h•$107,900 - $195,050•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Security Operations Center (SOC) is a US Government program responsible for preventing, identifying, containing, and eradicating cyber threats to CBP networks. This includes monitoring, intrusion detection, and protective security services for CBP information systems across various platforms like LAN/WAN, commercial Internet, public websites, wireless, mobile/cellular, cloud, security devices, servers, and workstations. The CBP SOC is tasked with the overall security of CBP Enterprise-wide information systems, including collecting, investigating, and reporting security violations. The selected candidate will serve as the Security & Technology Policy Division Assessment & Authorization Team Lead. In this role, they will apply their experience as an Assessment and Authorization Analyst to guide team members in evaluating CBP Information Systems to ensure they meet required security standards and are authorized to operate within the CBP network, utilizing the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) or similar methodologies. The Team Lead will also be responsible for administrative reporting and team management, requiring knowledge of information system lifecycle key points (e.g., before deployment or during major updates). The role involves independently creating security documentation (e.g., System Security Plan, Security Assessment Report) and assisting customers in obtaining the final Authorization to Operate (ATO). The Government often requires support in gathering information and addressing questions across various IT areas, including security management controls, access controls, provisioning/deprovisioning, transfers, separation of duties, configuration management, contingency planning, application security, business process controls, interface controls, and data management system controls.

Requirements

Experience leading a team of A&A Analysts/Security Control Accessors.
In-depth knowledge and expertise of many different federal standards and policies to include, but are not limited to: Government Accountability Office (GAO) auditing practices; Responding to Congressional requests for information; Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) standards and auditing practices including Federal Information Systems Control Audit Manual (FISCAM); Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-123; DHS 4300A and CBP 1400-05D security policies and manuals; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Demonstrate successful experience with assessing an organizations maturity level of cybersecurity compliance.
Demonstrate expert level knowledge of vulnerabilities and weaknesses across complex IT environments and comprehend the applicability of security standards across technologies.
Demonstrate familiarity with cybersecurity operation center (SOC) operations and cybersecurity sensors and tools.
Demonstrate experience with the development and coordination of guidance and work products related to issues tracking management and plan of actions and milestones and ensure transparency of maturity level deltas, progress, and challenges within an organization.
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree coupled with 8 years’ experience in the Information Technology arena or Master's Degree with 6 years of relevant experience. Additional years of experience are accepted in lieu of degree.
Prior experience with CBP.
Experience briefing and conversing with C-Suite level executives.
Experience conducting FISMA Audits, Financial Statement Audits and coordinating with OIG and KPMG.
Minimum of 5 years of experience as an Auditor/ISSO supporting major federal information systems/applications.
Bachelor Degree in Computer Science, IT, Information/Cyber Security field from an accredited college or university.
Knowledge with auditing security controls and financial processes.
Superior writing, communication and critical analysis skills.
Deep understanding of Information Assurance, Information Technology and Information Management concepts, processes and procedures.
DoD 8570 IAT III.
Experience with supporting the delivery of large and complex projects on time and within budget in government organizations.
Must be able to report into the Ashburn VA office daily, if needed.
Must be a US Citizen.

Nice To Haves

CompTIA Certified Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+).
ISC2 Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance Certification (CGRC).
ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

Responsibilities

Serve as the Security & Technology Policy Division Assessment & Authorization Team Lead.
Guide team members to evaluate CBP Information Systems being introduced to the environment to determine if they meet the required security standards and are authorized to operate within the CBP network, using the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) or similar methodologies.
Be responsible for administrative reporting and team management.
Independently create security documentation (e.g., System Security Plan, Security Assessment Report).
Support the customer to obtain the final authorization to operate (ATO).
Provide internal assessment, compliance, and evaluation readiness services to the CSD organization, as well as with other CBP OIT directorates as deemed necessary by CSD leadership.
Verify and confirm that IT security controls are in place and effective (especially with considerations in these areas as applications are migrated to cloud hosting services).
Provide strategic advice and guidance to the CSD Information System Security Manager (ISSM) teams regarding IT security controls best practices and implementation strategies for new systems and applications that come into the CSD or (as directed) CBP OIT portfolios (e.g., implementing boundary controls).
Serve as a liaison between auditors, participate in external oversight audits as needed, coordinate, document, and review inquiries and responses with the appropriate CSD Government personnel, and finalize the scope of the responses to align with the requested information.
Assist in developing and presenting briefs to senior leaders on the organization’s CSSP activity.