This database is used to track Visitor Authorization Requests (VARs) to Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in the Colorado Springs Area. The database is designed to accommodate all visitor, including foreign nationals, into secure areas by providing a central location for information confirmation.
This database encompasses all of the Colorado Springs area’s to include Schriever AFB and several downtown facilities. Order of events for a VAR is very basic. The fist action is to load the Point of Contact or POC and the Authorizing Authority or AA in to the appropriate databases. Only a valid POC may submit a VAR for approval and only an AA may authorize a VAR that has been submitted. The POC submits a Visitor Authorization Request or VAR to the AA who then authorizes it. The VAR is then either approved or disapproved by the AA. Approved VARS are then submitted to Security Forces for access or denial of access. The database is broken into user groups to allow or disallow certain groups from viewing information that they might not have authorization to view. The Point of Contact see’s the switchboard and they can only access the add point of contact
Although this database is small in nature it can have an overwhelming impact on the overall security of this nation. The database is used to verify that only authorized personnel gain access to information that is vital to national security through a system of check and balances. A process outside of this database validates points of Contact and Approving Authorities ensuring these capabilities are not given to unauthorized personnel. These two groups of individuals are then given a piece of the program to be active in. With the POC submitting a VAR and the AA approving the VAR, no one person has the ability to circumvent the process thus maintaining control over the access of the material. The system has several inquire capabilities allowing for the ease of information retrieval. These capabilities also allow oversight of the system allowing for easy and early identifications of problems and potential violation. This oversight gives the added capability to be on the constant lookout for improvements in both the procedures of getting a visitor into the areas and to improve security.
The administration of this database is very simple because not a lot of personnel have their fingers in it. It is only accessed by a few people that will input or extract data and then log ou