A Market Where Even the Tomatoes Need Security Clearance

A Market Where Even the Tomatoes Need Security Clearance

I think there’s hardly anything better than cold, fresh fruit and vegetables on a hot summer day from the local farmer’s market. I usually get up early, when the sun has just barely peeked out to introduce a new day and head to the market to engage my senses and buy pieces of nature’s bounty. Even NSA employees love a good market as they dreamed up the concept of their very own NSA Farmer’s Market.

Beginning last year as an alternative to the on-site cafeteria, NSA’s market launched with just a few local food producers and was held every Friday starting in spring until November. It was a huge success, so this year, NSA’s market was brought back again, this time even closer to the main building.

Can you imagine what type of security clearance you would need to become a vendor at NSA’s market? I would imagine a pretty high one.

Vendors can’t simply fill out an application as most are based on employee recommendations and receive an email invitation. The initial screening process requires vendors to give their place of birth, birthday, Social Security number and vehicle details. Once cleared, vendors must schedule in about 30 extra minutes on the day of the market to pass through two security checkpoints. Trained K-9s smell coolers and inspect vehicles for anything suspicious while refusing to gobble down treats being transported in. I’d say that takes some major restraint, especially since one of the vendors sells freshly-baked cupcakes!

NSA’s Farmer’s Market gives employees a chance to mingle across departments and become better acquainted as an agency. Even some of the vendors have befriended NSA employees but they must be careful how they interact outside the protective confines of the market. It’s okay to say something like, “It was great seeing you on Friday,” but the “where” must be left out.

Of the 10,000+ on-site employees, it is estimated that more than 1,000 visit the market every Friday.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • AI to Help Resolve Non-Emergency Calls Across Utah and Decrease 911 Caller Wait Times

    The Utah Communications Authority (UCA), which oversees the state’s next generation 911 technology services, recently announced that public safety answering points (PSAPs) throughout the state plan to implement Motorola Solutions’ Virtual Response technology to automate the receipt and resolution of 10-digit non-emergency line calls in Utah with the help of AI. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Local Governments Face Surge in Ransomware Attacks with Minimal Resources

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, recently released new research highlighting the critical cybersecurity challenges facing state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. The report details how government organizations have become prime targets for cybercriminals while simultaneously facing severe resource constraints. Read Now

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.