Selective Service System (SSS): A Guide for New Government Contractors

Understanding SSS

What is the Selective Service System (SSS)?

The Selective Service System (SSS) is an independent federal agency responsible for maintaining a registry of eligible men in case of a military draft. While the U.S. has an all-volunteer military force, the Selective Service ensures that if a draft is ever reinstated, the government can quickly identify and call eligible individuals into service.

Although no draft has been enacted since 1973, federal law requires that all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants aged 18-25 register with the Selective Service. The agency also supports federal employment verification, security clearance checks, and compliance with state and federal aid programs.

Contractors assist SSS with IT modernization, database management, cybersecurity, public outreach, and registration compliance efforts.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • Maintaining the National Registration Database: Ensuring accurate, up-to-date records of eligible individuals.
  • Emergency Draft Preparedness: Keeping infrastructure ready for a potential national mobilization.
  • Public Awareness & Outreach: Educating the public on registration requirements and legal compliance.
  • Cybersecurity & Data Protection: Safeguarding sensitive personal information.
  • Government Agency Collaboration: Supporting verification programs for federal hiring, security clearances, and financial aid eligibility.
  • IT Modernization & Digital Services: Enhancing the online registration system and cloud infrastructure.

Mission and Goals

The SSS mission is to maintain a reliable system for national defense preparedness by ensuring eligible individuals are registered for selective service. Its primary goals include:

  • Ensuring draft readiness in the event of a national emergency.
  • Maintaining secure and accurate registration data.
  • Modernizing IT infrastructure to improve data accessibility and security.
  • Expanding public awareness of registration requirements.
  • Enhancing interagency collaboration for verification processes.

SSS Organization

The agency operates through three primary divisions that oversee different aspects of its mission:

  • Operations & Preparedness Division: Manages the national registration database and readiness programs.
  • Information Technology Division: Handles cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital services for registration and compliance systems.
  • Public & Intergovernmental Affairs Division: Oversees public outreach, legal compliance, and interagency partnerships.

SSS operates a national headquarters in Arlington, VA and has a network of local and state offices that support operations.

Advancing Your Career as a Contractor with SSS

Helpful Tips for IT Professionals and Consultants:

  • Understand SSS’s National Security Role: Contractors should align their services with data management, compliance verification, and cybersecurity initiatives.
  • Stay Current with Government Procurement Guidelines: SSS follows Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), particularly FAR Part 12 (Commercial Acquisitions) and FAR Part 15 (Contracting by Negotiation).
  • Master SSS Registration and Verification Systems: Learn about:
    • SSS Online Registration System – The platform for registering and verifying individuals.
    • Government Data Matching Programs – Used to verify compliance for federal aid, employment, and security clearances.
    • Cybersecurity & Risk Management Frameworks – Tools used to protect sensitive personal data.
  • Prioritize Cybersecurity and Data Integrity: Contractors must adhere to FISMA (Federal Information Security Modernization Act), NIST 800-53, and cloud security best practices.
  • Effective Communication with Government & Public Affairs Teams: Many contracts involve working with policy experts, compliance officers, and public outreach teams.
  • Agile and Cloud-Based IT Solutions: SSS is investing in cloud computing, digital automation, and AI-driven compliance tracking—contractors should be proficient in these technologies.
  • Continuous Learning and Professional Development: Stay informed on federal registration policies, cybersecurity threats, and data modernization trends.
  • Networking and Collaboration: Attend SSS contractor briefings, national security forums, and IT security summits.
  • Focus on User-Centered Digital Services: Many SSS projects require intuitive, mobile-friendly registration portals for ease of access.
  • Document and Share Knowledge: Maintain thorough documentation on data management processes, compliance frameworks, and cybersecurity policies.

Helpful Links for Contractors: