National Industrial Security Program, 19950-19963 [2018-09465]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 88 / Monday, May 7, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS
ADMINISTRATION
Information Security Oversight Office
32 CFR Part 2004
[FDMS No. NARA–16–0006; Agency No.
NARA–2018–032]
RIN 3095–AB79
National Industrial Security Program
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The Information Security
Oversight Office (ISOO) of the National
Archives and Records Administration
(NARA), is revising the National
Industrial Security Program (NISP)
Directive. The NISP safeguards
classified information the Federal
Government or foreign governments
release to contractors, licensees,
grantees, and certificate holders. This
revision adds provisions incorporating
executive branch insider threat policy
and minimum standards, identifies the
Office of the Director of National
Intelligence (ODNI) and the Department
of Homeland Security (DHS) as new
cognizant security agencies (CSAs), and
adds responsibilities for all CSAs and
non-CSA departments and agencies (to
reflect oversight functions that are
already detailed for private sector
entities in the National Industrial
Security Program Operating Manual
(NISPOM)). This revision also makes
other administrative changes to be
consistent with recent revisions to the
NISPOM and with updated regulatory
language and style.
DATES: This rule is effective on May 7,
2018.
ADDRESSES: National Archives and
Records Administration; ATTN:
External Policy Program, Suite 4100,
8601 Adelphi Road; College Park, MD
20740.
SUMMARY:
For
information about this regulation and
the regulatory process, contact Kimberly
Keravuori, External Policy Program
Manager, by email at regulation_
comments@nara.gov, or by telephone at
301.837.3151. For information about the
NISP and the requirements in this
regulation, contact Mark A. Bradley,
Director, ISOO, by telephone at 202–
357–5205.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We
published proposed revisions to this
rule in the Federal Register on January
11, 2017 (82 FR 3219) and received
seven sets of public comments in
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response, from companies, industry
representative organizations, and law
firms. The vast majority of the
comments were on 32 CFR 2004.32 and
2004.34, relating to national interest
determinations (NIDs) made when an
entity is under foreign ownership,
control, or influence (FOCI) and the
proposed mitigation method is a special
security agreement. Overall,
commenters strongly recommended that
NIDs be eliminated, but, if not possible
to do so, the commenters suggested
ways in which to streamline the process
and the regulatory provisions, including
granting the Defense Security Service
(DSS) authority to make NIDs
concurrently with making eligibility
determinations, establishing a
presumption of approval if an entity
otherwise has a favorable record, and
making NIDs prior to contract awards.
We are not at this time able to
eliminate NIDs because certain
categories of classified information
involve assessment of factors specific to
that information. The regulation is also
not drafted on the basis of what DSS
may or may not do, as DSS is not one
of the cognizant security agencies
(CSAs) specifically named in Executive
Order (E.O.) 12829. DSS has authority
granted to it by the Department of
Defense, one of the CSAs, and each CSA
has equivalent authority under the NISP
to make entity eligibility determinations
and NIDs. We decline to create a
presumption of approval because of the
potential risk to national security,
particularly with regard to certain
categories of proscribed information. In
addition, no agency has the capability to
evaluate companies for a NID prior to
any acquisition activity so as to include
the NID in contract award documents.
Nonetheless, we have taken the
comments and suggestions into
consideration and made changes to
further streamline the NID process and
these regulatory sections in response to
the public comments. We have
established that the CSA (or DSS for the
CSA, in the case of DoD determinations)
makes the NID and does so concurrently
with making the entity eligibility
determination. In this manner, for
several categories of classified
information, the NID will take no longer
than the entity eligibility determination.
In cases in which the proscribed
information does not require
concurrence from a controlling agency,
the entity’s access may begin as soon as
a positive determination is made. Now,
only in cases in which the proscribed
information requires concurrence from a
controlling agency (RD, COMSEC, SCI),
must the entity wait in order to have
access to that information. We have
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revised the process to also allow an
entity to begin accessing a category of
proscribed information once the CSA
informs the entity that the controlling
agency concurs, even if other categories
of proscribed information are pending
concurrence. This allows entities to
begin work and have access to at least
part of the information at a faster rate.
In addition, we revised the regulation
to allow an entity’s access to SCI, RD,
or COMSEC to remain in effect so long
as the entity remains eligible for access
to classified information and the
contract or agreement imposing the
requirement for access to those
categories of proscribed information
remains in effect, except under certain
circumstances, and to remain in effect
across contract renewals, new task
orders, and SSA renewals (except under
certain circumstances). Both of these
revisions reduce the number of NIDs an
entity must undergo and reduce the
potential disruptions and burdens of
previous NID frequency. We believe
these regulations significantly
streamline the NID process and reduce
burdens on entities by: (1) Allowing the
CSA to render NIDs for certain
categories of information concurrently
with eligibility determinations, (2)
allowing access to information as NID
concurrences are received rather than
waiting for all concurrences, and (3)
establishing a 30-day timeline for
concurrence (this was included in the
proposed rule).
We have coordinated and vetted the
comments and resulting revisions
through the CSAs listed in E. O. 12829,
National Industrial Security Program
(January 6, 1993 (58 FR 3479)), as
amended by E.O. 13691 (February 13,
2015 (80 FR 9347)): Department of
Defense, Department of Energy, Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, Office of the
Director of National Intelligence, and
Department of Homeland Security. We
have also coordinated this rule with the
other executive branch agencies that are
members of the National Industrial
Security Program Policy Advisory
Committee (NISPPAC) or that release
classified information to contractors,
licensees, grantees, or certificate
holders, and with the industry members
of the NISPPAC. These revisions do not
change requirements for industry
(which are contained in the NISPOM),
but instead clarify agency
responsibilities.
Background
The NISP is the Federal Government’s
single, integrated industrial security
program. E.O. 12829 (amended in 1993)
established the NISP to safeguard
classified information in industry and
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preserve the nation’s economic and
technological interests. The President
issued E.O. 13691, Promoting Private
Sector Cybersecurity Information
Sharing (February 13, 2015 (80 FR
9347)), and E.O. 13708, Continuance or
Reestablishment of Certain Federal
Advisory Committees (September 30,
2015 (80 FR 60271)), which further
amended E.O. 12829.
E.O. 12829, sec. 102(b), delegated
oversight of the NISP to the Director of
NARA’s Information Security Oversight
Office (ISOO). As part of ISOO’s
responsibilities under E.O. 12829, it is
authorized to issue such directives as
necessary to implement the E.O., which
are binding on agencies. In 2006, ISOO
issued, and periodically updates, this
regulation, which functions as one of
those directives.
This regulation establishes uniform
standards throughout the Program, and
helps agencies implement requirements
in E.O. 12829, as amended (collectively
referred to as ‘‘E.O. 12829’’).
This revision also establishes agency
responsibilities for implementing the
insider threat provisions of E.O. 13587,
Structural Reforms to Improve the
Security of Classified Networks and the
Responsible Sharing and Safeguarding
of Classified Information (October 7,
2011 (76 FR 63811)) within the NISP.
However, the regulation does not stand
alone; users should refer concurrently to
the underlying executive orders for
guidance.
Nothing in this regulation supersedes
the authority of the Secretary of Energy
or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954,
as amended (42 U.S.C. 2011, et seq.); the
authority of the Director of National
Intelligence (or any intelligence
community element) under the
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism
Prevention Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108–
458), the National Security Act of 1947
(50 U.S.C. 401, et seq.), as amended, and
E.O. 12333 (December 4, 1981), as
amended by E.O. 13355, Strengthened
Management of the Intelligence
Community (August 27, 2004) and E.O.
13470, Further Amendments to
Executive Order 12333 (July 30, 2008);
or the authority of the Secretary of
Homeland Security, as the Executive
Agent for the Classified National
Security Information Program
established under E.O. 13549, Classified
National Security Information Program
for State, Local, Tribal, and Private
Sector Entities (August 18, 2010), or by
E. O. 13284, Amendment of Executive
Orders, and Other Actions, in
Connection with the Establishment of
the Department of Homeland Security,
(January 23, 2003).
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Regulatory Analysis
The Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) has reviewed this proposed
regulation.
Review Under Executive Orders 12866
and 13563
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory
Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735
(September 30, 1993), and Executive
Order 13563, Improving Regulation and
Regulation Review, 76 FR 23821
(January 18, 2011), direct agencies to
assess all costs and benefits of available
regulatory alternatives and, if regulation
is necessary, to select regulatory
approaches that maximize net benefits
(including potential economic,
environmental, public health and safety
effects, distributive impacts, and
equity). This rule is not ‘‘significant’’
under Executive Order 12866, sec. 3(f),
and is not a major rule as defined in 5
U.S.C. Chapter 8, Congressional Review
of Agency Rulemaking. The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has
reviewed this regulation.
Review Under the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601, et seq.)
This review requires an agency to
prepare an initial regulatory flexibility
analysis and publish it when the agency
publishes the proposed rule. This
requirement does not apply if the
agency certifies that the rule will not, if
promulgated, have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities (5 U.S.C. 603).
As required by the Regulatory
Flexibility Act, we certify that this
rulemaking will not have a significant
impact on a substantial number of small
entities because it applies only to
Federal agencies. This regulation does
not establish requirements for entities;
those requirements are established in
the NISPOM. This rule sets out
coinciding requirements for agencies.
However, agencies implementing this
regulation will do so through contracts
with businesses (as well as other
agreements with entities) and thus it
indirectly affects those entities.
Agencies have been applying the
requirements and procedures contained
in the NISPOM (and, to a lesser extent,
contained in this regulation) to entities
for 20 years, with the exception of
insider threat provisions added to the
NISPOM in 2016, and the additions to
this regulation do not substantially alter
those requirements. Most of the
provisions being added to this
regulation have applied to entities
through the NISPOM; we are simply
incorporating the agency
responsibilities for those requirements
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19951
into the regulation. Other revisions to
this regulation are primarily
administrative, except the new insider
threat requirements. The insider threat
requirements make minor additions to
training, oversight, information system
security, and similar functions already
being conducted by entities, and thus
will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small
business entities.
Review Under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501
et seq.)
This rule contains information
collection activities that are subject to
review and approval by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) under
the Paperwork Reduction Act. We refer
to the following OMB-approved DoD
information collection in § 2004.34(b)
and (c)(1) of this regulation: OMB
control No. 0704–0194, SF 328/CF 328,
Certificate Pertaining to Foreign
Interests, approved through September
30, 2019. DoD published the
information collection notice in the
Federal Register in May 2015 (80 FR
27938, May 15, 2015) for public
comment, and the notice of OMB review
in the Federal Register in July 2016 (81
FR 47790, July 22, 2016), providing a
second opportunity for public comment.
Review Under Executive Order 13132,
Federalism, 64 FR 43255 (August 4,
1999)
Review under Executive Order 13132
requires that agencies review
regulations for federalism effects on the
institutional interest of states and local
governments, and, if the effects are
sufficiently substantial, prepare a
Federal assessment to assist senior
policy makers. This rule will not have
any direct effects on State and local
governments within the meaning of the
Executive Order. Therefore, this rule
does not include a federalism
assessment.
Review Under Executive Order 13771
This final rule is not subject to the
requirements of Executive Order 13771
because this final rule is related to
agency organization, management, or
personnel.
List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 2004
Classified information, National
Industrial Security Program.
For the reasons stated in the preamble,
the National Archives and Records
Administration amends 32 CFR chapter
XX by revising part 2004 to read as
follows:
■
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 88 / Monday, May 7, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
PART 2004—NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL
SECURITY PROGRAM (NISP)
Subpart A—Implementation and Oversight
Sec.
2004.1 Purpose and scope.
2004.4 Definitions that apply to this part.
2004.10 Responsibilities of the Director,
Information Security Oversight Office
(ISOO).
2004.11 CSA and agency implementing
regulations, internal rules, or guidelines.
2004.12 ISOO reviews of agency NISP
implementation.
Subpart B—Administration
2004.20 National Industrial Security
Program Executive Agent (EA) and
Operating Manual (NISPOM).
2004.22 Agency responsibilities.
2004.24 Insider threat program.
2004.26 Reviews of entity NISP
implementation.
2004.28 Cost reports.
Subpart C—Operations
2004.30 Security classification
requirements and guidance.
2004.32 Determining entity eligibility for
access to classified information.
2004.34 Foreign ownership, control, or
influence (FOCI).
2004.36 Determining entity employee
eligibility for access to classified
information.
2004.38 Safeguarding and marking.
2004.40 Information system security.
2004.42 [Reserved]
Appendix A to Part 2004—Acronym Table
Authority: Section 102(b)(1) of E.O. 12829
(January 6, 1993), as amended by E.O. 12885
(December 14, 1993), E.O. 13691 (February
12, 2015), and section 4 of E.O. 13708
(September 30, 2015).
Subpart A—Implementation and
Oversight
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§ 2004.1
Purpose and scope.
(a) This part sets out the National
Industrial Security Program (‘‘NISP’’ or
‘‘the Program’’) governing the protection
of agency classified information
released to Federal contractors,
licensees, grantees, and certificate
holders. It establishes uniform standards
throughout the Program, and helps
agencies implement requirements in
E.O. 12829, National Industrial Security
Program, as amended by E.O. 12558 and
E.O.13691 (collectively referred to as
‘‘E.O. 12829’’), E.O. 13691, Promoting
Private Sector Cybersecurity
Information Sharing, and E.O. 13587,
Structural Reforms to Improve the
Security of Classified Networks and the
Responsible Sharing and Safeguarding
of Classified Information. It applies to
any executive branch agency that
releases classified information to
current, prospective, or former Federal
contractors, licensees, grantees, or
certificate holders. However, this part
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does not stand alone; users should refer
concurrently to the underlying
executive orders for guidance. ISOO
maintains policy oversight over the
NISP as established by E.O.12829.
(b) This part also does not apply to
release of classified information
pursuant to criminal proceedings. The
Classified Information Procedures Act
(CIPA) (18 U.S.C. Appendix 3) governs
release of classified information in
criminal proceedings.
(c) Nothing in this part supersedes the
authority of the Secretary of Energy or
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954,
as amended (42 U.S.C. 2011, et seq.)
(collectively referred to as ‘‘the Atomic
Energy Act’’); the authority of the
Director of National Intelligence (or any
intelligence community element) under
the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism
Prevention Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108–
458), the National Security Act of 1947
as amended (50 U.S.C. 401, et seq.), and
E.O. 12333 (December 4, 1981), as
amended by E.O. 13355, Strengthened
Management of the Intelligence
Community (August 27, 2004) and E.O.
13470, Further Amendments to
Executive Order 12333 (July 30, 2008)
(collectively referred to as ‘‘E.O.
12333’’); or the authority of the
Secretary of Homeland Security, as the
Executive Agent for the Classified
National Security Information Program
established under E.O. 13549, Classified
National Security Information Program
for State, Local, Tribal, and Private
Sector Entities (August 18, 2010), or as
established by E.O. 13284, Amendment
of Executive Orders, and Other Actions,
in Connection with the Establishment of
the Department of Homeland Security
(January 23, 2003). In exercising these
authorities, CSAs make every effort to
facilitate reciprocity, avoid duplication
of regulatory requirements, and
facilitate uniform standards.
§ 2004.4
Definitions that apply to this part.
(a) Access is the ability or opportunity
to gain knowledge of classified
information.
(b) Agency(ies) are any ‘‘Executive
agency’’ as defined in 5 U.S.C. 105; any
‘‘Military department’’ as defined in 5
U.S.C. 102; and any other entity within
the executive branch that releases
classified information to private sector
entities. This includes component
agencies under another agency or under
a cross-agency oversight office (such as
ODNI with CIA), which are also
agencies for purposes of this regulation.
(c) Classified Critical Infrastructure
Protection Program (CCIPP) is the DHS
program that executes the classified
infrastructure protection program
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designated by E.O. 13691, ‘‘Promoting
Private Sector Cybersecurity
Information Sharing.’’ The Government
uses this program to share classified
cybersecurity-related information with
employees of private sector entities that
own or operate critical infrastructure.
Critical infrastructure refers to systems
and assets, whether physical or virtual,
so vital to the United States that
incapacitating or destroying such
systems and assets would have a
debilitating impact on security, national
economic security, national public
health or safety, or any combination
thereof. These entities include banks
and power plants, among others. The
sectors of critical infrastructure are
listed in Presidential Policy Directive
21, Critical Infrastructure Security and
Resilience (February 12, 2013).
(d) Classified Critical Infrastructure
Protection Program (CCIPP) security
point of contact (security POC) is an
official whom a CCIPP entity designates
to maintain eligibility information about
the entity and its cleared employees,
and to report that information to DHS.
The CCIPP security POC must be
eligible for access to classified
information.
(e) Classified information is
information the Government designates
as requiring protection against
unauthorized disclosure in the interest
of national security, pursuant to E.O.
13526, Classified National Security
Information, or any predecessor order,
and the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as
amended. Classified information
includes national security information
(NSI), restricted data (RD), and formerly
restricted data (FRD), regardless of its
physical form or characteristics
(including tangible items other than
documents).
(f) Cognizance is the area over which
a CSA has operational oversight.
Normally, a statute or executive order
establishes a CSA’s cognizance over
certain types of information, programs,
or non-CSA agencies, although CSAs
may also have cognizance through an
agreement with another CSA or nonCSA agency or an entity. A CSA may
have cognizance over a particular
type(s) of classified information based
on specific authorities (such as those
listed in § 2004.1(c)), and a CSA may
have cognizance over certain agencies or
cross-agency programs (such as DoD’s
cognizance over non-CSA agencies as
the EA for NISP, or ODNI’s oversight (if
applicable) of all intelligence
community elements within the
executive branch). Entities fall under a
CSA’s cognizance when they enter or
compete to enter contracts or
agreements to access classified
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information under the CSA’s
cognizance, including when they enter
or compete to enter such contracts or
agreements with a non-CSA agency or
another entity under the CSA’s
cognizance.
(g) Cognizant security agencies (CSAs)
are the agencies E.O. 12829, sec. 202,
designates as having NISP
implementation and security
responsibilities for their own agencies
(including component agencies) and any
entities and non-CSA agencies under
their cognizance. The CSAs are:
Department of Defense (DoD);
Department of Energy (DOE); Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC); Office of
the Director of National Intelligence
(ODNI); and Department of Homeland
Security (DHS).
(h) Cognizant security office (CSO) is
an organizational unit to which the head
of a CSA delegates authority to
administer industrial security services
on behalf of the CSA.
(i) Contracts or agreements are any
type of arrangement between an agency
and an entity or an agency and another
agency. They include, but are not
limited to, contracts, sub-contracts,
licenses, certificates, memoranda of
understanding, inter-agency service
agreements, other types of documents or
arrangements setting out
responsibilities, requirements, or terms
agreed upon by the parties, programs,
projects, and other legitimate U.S. or
foreign government requirements. FOCI
mitigation or negation measures, such as
Voting Trust Agreements, that have the
word ‘‘agreement’’ in their title are not
included in the term ‘‘agreements’’
within this part.
(j) Controlling agency is an agency
that owns or controls the following
categories of proscribed information and
thus has authority over access to or
release of the information: NSA for
communications security information
(COMSEC); DOE for restricted data (RD);
and ODNI for sensitive compartmented
information (SCI).
(k) Entity is a generic and
comprehensive term which may include
sole proprietorships, partnerships,
corporations, limited liability
companies, societies, associations,
institutions, contractors, licensees,
grantees, certificate holders, and other
organizations usually established and
operating to carry out a commercial,
industrial, educational, or other
legitimate business, enterprise, or
undertaking, or parts of these
organizations. It may reference an entire
organization, a prime contractor, parent
organization, a branch or division,
another type of sub-element, a subcontractor, subsidiary, or other
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subordinate or connected entity
(referred to as ‘‘sub-entities’’ when
necessary to distinguish such entities
from prime or parent entities), a specific
location or facility, or the headquarters/
official business location of the
organization, depending upon the
organization’s business structure, the
access needs involved, and the
responsible CSA’s procedures. The term
‘‘entity’’ as used in this part refers to the
particular entity to which an agency
might release, or is releasing, classified
information, whether that entity is a
parent or subordinate organization.
(l) Entity eligibility determination is
an assessment by the CSA as to whether
an entity is eligible for access to
classified information of a certain level
(and all lower levels). Eligibility
determinations may be broad or limited
to specific contracts, sponsoring
agencies, or circumstances. A favorable
determination results in eligibility to
access classified information under the
cognizance of the responsible CSA to
the level approved. When the entity
would be accessing categories of
information such as RD or SCI for which
the CSA for that information has set
additional requirements, CSAs must
also assess whether the entity is eligible
for access to that category. Some CSAs
refer to their favorable determinations as
facility security clearances (FCL). A
favorable entity eligibility determination
does not convey authority to store
classified information.
(m) Foreign interest is any foreign
government, element of a foreign
government, or representative of a
foreign government; any form of
business enterprise or legal entity
organized, chartered, or incorporated
under the laws of any country other
than the United States or its territories;
and any person who is not a United
States citizen or national.
(n) Government contracting activity
(GCA) is an agency component or
subcomponent to which the agency
head delegates broad authority
regarding acquisition functions. A
foreign government may also be a GCA.
(o) Industrial security services are
those activities performed by a CSA to
verify that an entity is protecting
classified information. They include,
but are not limited to, conducting
oversight reviews, making eligibility
determinations, and providing agency
and entity guidance and training.
(p) Insider(s) are entity employees
who are eligible to access classified
information and may be authorized
access to any U.S. Government or entity
resource (such as personnel, facilities,
information, equipment, networks, or
systems).
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(q) Insider threat is the likelihood,
risk, or potential that an insider will use
his or her authorized access, wittingly
or unwittingly, to do harm to the
national security of the United States.
Insider threats may include harm to
entity or program information to the
extent that the information impacts the
entity’s or agency’s obligations to
protect classified information.
(r) Insider threat response action(s)
are actions (such as investigations) an
agency takes to ascertain whether an
insider threat exists, and actions the
agency takes to mitigate the threat.
Agencies may conduct insider threat
response actions through their
counterintelligence (CI), security, law
enforcement, or inspector general
organizations, depending on the
statutory authority and internal policies
that govern the agency.
(s) Insider threat program senior
official (SO) is the official an agency
head or entity designates with
responsibility to manage, account for,
and oversee the agency’s or entity’s
insider threat program, pursuant to the
National Insider Threat Policy and
Minimum Standards. An agency may
have more than one insider threat
program SO.
(t) Key managers and officials (KMO)
are the senior management official (or
authorized executive official under
CCIPP), the entity’s security officer (or
security POC under CCIPP), the insider
threat program senior official, and other
entity employees whom the responsible
CSA identifies as having authority,
direct or indirect, to influence or decide
matters affecting the entity’s
management or operations, its contracts
requiring access to classified
information, or national security
interests. They may include individuals
who hold majority ownership interest in
the entity (in the form of stock or other
ownership interests).
(u) Proscribed information is
information that is classified as top
secret (TS) information;
communications security (COMSEC)
information (excluding controlled
cryptographic items when un-keyed or
utilized with unclassified keys);
restricted data (RD); special access
program information (SAP); or sensitive
compartmented information (SCI).
(v) Security officer is a U.S. citizen
employee the entity designates to
supervise and direct security measures
implementing NISPOM (or equivalent;
such as DOE Orders) requirements.
Some CSAs refer to this position as a
facility security officer (FSO). The
security officer must complete security
training specified by the responsible
CSA, and must have and maintain an
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employee eligibility determination level
that is at least the same level as the
entity’s eligibility determination level.
(w) Senior agency official for NISP
(SAO for NISP) is the official an agency
head designates to direct and administer
the agency’s National Industrial
Security Program.
(x) Senior management official (SMO)
is the person in charge of an entity.
Under the CCIPP, this is the authorized
executive official with authority to sign
the security agreement with DHS.
(y) Sub-entity is an entity’s branch or
division, another type of sub-element, a
sub-contractor, subsidiary, or other
subordinate or connected entity. Subentities fall under the definition of
‘‘entity,’’ but this part refers to them as
sub-entities when necessary to
distinguish such entities from prime
contractor or parent entities. See
definition of ‘‘entity’’ in paragraph (k) of
this section for more context.
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§ 2004.10 Responsibilities of the Director,
Information Security Oversight Office
(ISOO).
The Director, ISOO:
(a) Implements E.O. 12829, including
ensuring that:
(1) The NISP operates as a single,
integrated program across the executive
branch of the Federal Government (i.e.,
such that agencies that release classified
information to entities adhere to NISP
principles);
(2) A responsible CSA oversees each
entity’s NISP implementation in
accordance with § 2004.22;
(3) All agencies that contract for
classified work include the Security
Requirements clause, 48 CFR 52.204–2,
from the Federal Acquisition Regulation
(FAR), or an equivalent clause, in
contracts that require access to
classified information;
(4) Those agencies for which the
Department of Defense (DoD) serves as
the CSA or provides industrial security
services have agreements with DoD
defining the Secretary of Defense’s
responsibilities on behalf of their
agency;
(5) Each CSA issues directions to
entities under their cognizance that are
consistent with the NISPOM insider
threat guidance;
(6) CSAs share with each other, as
lawful and appropriate, relevant
information about entity employees that
indicates an insider threat; and
(7) CSAs conduct ongoing analysis
and adjudication of adverse or relevant
information about entity employees that
indicates an insider threat.
(b) Raises an issue to the National
Security Council (NSC) for resolution if
the EA’s NISPOM coordination process
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cannot reach a consensus on NISPOM
security standards (see § 2004.20(d)).
§ 2004.11 CSA and agency implementing
regulations, internal rules, or guidelines.
(a) Each CSA implements NISP
practices in part through policies and
guidelines that are consistent with this
regulation, so that agencies for which it
serves as the CSA are aware of
appropriate security standards, engage
in consistent practices with entities, and
so that practices effectively protect
classified information those entities
receive (including foreign government
information that the U.S. Government
must protect in the interest of national
security).
(b) Each CSA must also routinely
review and update its NISP policies and
guidelines and promptly issue revisions
when needed (including when a change
in national policy necessitates a change
in agency NISP policies and guidelines).
(c) Non-CSA agencies may choose to
augment CSA NISP policies or
guidelines as long as the agency policies
or guidelines are consistent with the
CSA’s policies or guidelines and this
regulation.
§ 2004.12 ISOO review of agency NISP
implementation.
(a) ISOO fulfills its oversight role
based, in part, on information received
from NISP Policy Advisory Committee
(NISPPAC) members, from on-site
reviews that ISOO conducts under the
authority of E.O. 12829, and from any
submitted complaints and suggestions.
ISOO reports findings to the responsible
CSA or agency.
(b) ISOO reviews agency policies and
guidelines to ensure consistency with
NISP policies and procedures. ISOO
may conduct reviews during routine
oversight visits, when a problem or
potential problem comes to ISOO’s
attention, or after a change in national
policy that impacts agency policies and
guidelines. ISOO provides the
responsible agency with findings from
these reviews.
Subpart B—Administration
§ 2004.20 National Industrial Security
Program Executive Agent and Operating
Manual.
(a) The executive agent (EA) for NISP
is the Secretary of Defense. The EA:
(1) Provides industrial security
services for agencies that are not CSAs
but that release classified information to
entities. The EA provides industrial
security services only through an
agreement with the agency. Non-CSA
agencies must enter an agreement with
the EA and comply with EA industrial
security service processes before
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releasing classified information to an
entity;
(2) Provides services for other CSAs
by agreement; and
(3) Issues and maintains the National
Industrial Security Program Operating
Manual (NISPOM) in consultation with
all affected agencies and with the
concurrence of the other CSAs.
(b) The NISPOM sets out the
procedures and standards that entities
must follow during all phases of the
contracting process to safeguard any
classified information an agency
releases to an entity. The NISPOM
requirements may apply to the entity
directly (i.e., through FAR clauses or
other contract clauses referring entities
to the NISPOM) or through equivalent
contract clauses or requirements
documents that are consistent with
NISPOM requirements.
(c) The EA, in consultation with all
affected agencies and with the
concurrence of the other CSAs, develops
the requirements, restrictions, and
safeguards contained in the NISPOM.
The EA uses security standards
applicable to agencies as the basis for
developing NISPOM entity standards to
the extent practicable and reasonable.
(d) The EA also facilitates the
NISPOM coordination process, which
addresses issues raised by entities,
agencies, ISOO, or the NISPPAC,
including requests to create or change
NISPOM security standards.
§ 2004.22
Agency responsibilities.
(a) Agency categories and general
areas of responsibility. Federal agencies
fall into three categories for the purpose
of NISP responsibilities:
(1) CSAs. CSAs are responsible for
carrying out NISP implementation
within their agency, for providing NISP
industrial security services on behalf of
non-CSA agencies by agreement when
authorized, and for overseeing NISP
compliance by entities that access
classified information under the CSA’s
cognizance. When the CSA has
oversight responsibilities for a particular
non-CSA agency or for an entity, the
CSA also functions as the responsible
CSA;
(2) Non-CSA agencies. Non-CSA
agencies are responsible for entering
agreements with a designated CSA for
industrial security services, and are
responsible for carrying out NISP
implementation within their agency
consistently with the agreement, the
CSA’s guidelines and procedures, and
this regulation; or
(3) Agencies that are components of
another agency. Component agencies do
not have itemized responsibilities under
this regulation and do not
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independently need to enter agreements
with a CSA, but they follow, and may
have responsibilities under,
implementing guidelines and
procedures established by their CSA or
non-CSA agency, or both.
(b) Responsible CSA role. (1) The
responsible CSA is the CSA (or its
delegated CSO) that provides NISP
industrial security services on behalf of
an agency, determines an entity’s
eligibility for access, and monitors and
inspects an entity’s NISP
implementation.
(2) In general, the goal is to have one
responsible CSA for each agency and for
each entity, to minimize the burdens
that can result from complying with
differing CSA procedures and
requirements.
(i) With regard to agencies, NISP
accomplishes this goal by a combination
of designated CSAs and agreements
between agencies and CSAs.
(ii) With regard to entities, CSAs
strive to reduce the number of
responsible CSAs for a given entity as
much as possible. To this end, when
more than one CSA releases classified
information to a given entity, those
CSAs agree on which is the responsible
CSA. However, due to certain unique
agency authorities, there may be
circumstances in which a given entity is
under the oversight of more than one
responsible CSA.
(3) Responsible CSA for agencies:
(i) In general, each CSA serves as the
responsible CSA for classified
information that it (or any of its
component agencies) releases to entities,
unless it enters an agreement otherwise
with another CSA.
(ii) DoD serves as the responsible CSA
for DHS with the exception of the
CCIPP, based on an agreement between
the two CSAs.
(iii) DoD serves as the responsible
CSA on behalf of all non-CSA agencies,
except CSA components, based on E.O.
12829 and its role as NISP EA.
(iv) ODNI serves as the responsible
CSA for CIA.
(4) Responsible CSA for entities:
When determining the responsible CSA
for a given entity, the involved CSAs
consider, at a minimum: retained
authorities, the information’s
classification level, number of contracts
requiring access to classified
information, location, number of
Government customers, volume of
classified activity, safeguarding
requirements, responsibility for entity
employee eligibility determinations, and
any special requirements.
(5) Responsible CSAs may delegate
oversight responsibility to a cognizant
security office (CSO) through CSA
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policy or by written delegation. The
CSA must inform entities under its
cognizance if it delegates
responsibilities. For purposes of this
rule, the term CSA also refers to the
CSO.
(c) CSA responsibilities. (1) The CSA
may perform GCA responsibilities as its
own GCA.
(2) As CSA, the CSA performs or
delegates the following responsibilities:
(i) Designates a CSA senior agency
official (SAO) for NISP;
(ii) Identifies the insider threat
program senior official (SO) to the
Director, ISOO;
(iii) Shares insider threat information
with other CSAs, as lawful and
appropriate, including information that
indicates an insider threat about entity
employees eligible to access classified
information;
(iv) Acts upon and shares—with
security management, GCAs, insider
threat program employees, and
Government program and CI officials—
any relevant entity-reported information
about security or CI concerns, as
appropriate;
(v) Submits reports to ISOO as
required by this part; and
(vi) Develops, coordinates, and
provides concurrence on changes to the
NISPOM when requested by the EA.
(3) As a responsible CSA, the CSA
also performs or delegates the following
responsibilities:
(i) Determines whether an entity is
eligible for access to classified
information (see § 2004.32);
(ii) Allocates funds, ensures
appropriate investigations are
conducted, and determines entity
employee eligibility for access to
classified information (see § 2004.36);
(iii) Reviews and approves entity
safeguarding measures, including
making safeguarding capability
determinations (see § 2004.38);
(iv) Conducts periodic security
reviews of entity operations (see
§ 2004.26) to determine that entities:
effectively protect classified information
provided to them; and follow NISPOM
(or equivalent) requirements;
(v) Provides and regularly updates
guidance, training, training materials,
and briefings to entities on:
(A) Entity implementation of NISPOM
(or equivalent) requirements, including:
responsibility for protecting classified
information, requesting NISPOM
interpretations, establishing training
programs, and submitting required
reports;
(B) Initial security briefings and other
briefings required for special categories
of information;
(C) Authorization measures for
information systems processing
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19955
classified information (except DHS) (see
§ 2004.40);
(D) Security training for security
officers (or CCIPP POCs) and other
employees whose official duties include
performing NISP-related functions;
(E) Insider threat programs in
accordance with the National Insider
Threat Policy and Minimum Standards
for Executive Branch Insider Threat
Programs; and
(F) Other guidance and training as
appropriate;
(vi) Establishes a mechanism for
entities to submit requests for waivers to
NISPOM (or equivalent) provisions;
(vii) Reviews, continuously analyzes,
and adjudicates, as appropriate, reports
from entities regarding events that:
(A) Impact the status of the entity’s
eligibility for access to classisfied
information;
(B) Impact an employee’s eligibility
for access;
(C) May indicate an employee poses
an insider threat;
(D) Affect proper safeguarding of
classified information; or
(E) Indicate that classified information
has been lost or compromised;
(viii) Verifies that reports offered in
confidence and so marked by an entity
may be withheld from public disclosure
under applicable exemptions of the
Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C.
552);
(ix) Requests any additional
information needed from an entity about
involved employees to determine
continued eligibility for access to
classified information when the entity
reports loss, possible compromise, or
unauthorized disclosure of classified
information; and
(x) Posts hotline information on its
website for entity access, or otherwise
disseminates contact numbers to the
entities for which the CSA is
responsible.
(d) Non-CSA agency head
responsibilities. The head of a non-CSA
agency that is not a CSA component and
that releases classified information to
entities, performs the following
responsibilities:
(1) Designates an SAO for the NISP;
(2) Identifies the insider threat
program SO to ISOO to facilitate
information sharing;
(3) Enters into an agreement with the
EA (except agencies that are
components of another agency or a
cross-agency oversight office) to act as
the responsible CSA on the agency’s
behalf (see paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this
section);
(4) Performs, or delegates in writing to
a GCA, the following responsibilities:
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(i) Provides appropriate education
and training to agency personnel who
implement the NISP;
(ii) Includes FAR security
requirements clause 52.204–2, or
equivalent (such as the DEAR clause
952.204–2), and a contract security
classification specification (or
equivalent guidance) into contracts and
solicitations that require access to
classified information (see § 2004.30);
and
(iii) Reports to the appropriate CSA
adverse information and insider threat
activity pertaining to entity employees
having access to classified information.
§ 2004.24
Insider threat program.
(a) Responsible CSAs oversee and
analyze entity activity to ensure entities
implement an insider threat program in
accordance with the National Insider
Threat Policy and Minimum Standards
for Executive Branch Insider Threat
Programs (via requirements in the
NISPOM or its equivalent) and guidance
from the CSA. CSA oversight
responsibilities include, but are not
limited to:
(1) Verifying that entities appoint
insider threat program SOs;
(2) Requiring entities to monitor,
report, and review insider threat
program activities and response actions
in accordance with the provisions set
forth in the NISPOM (or equivalent);
(3) Providing entities with access to
data relevant to insider threat program
activities and applicable reporting
requirements and procedures;
(4) Providing entities with a
designated means to report insider
threat-related activity; and
(5) Advising entities on appropriate
insider threat training for entity
employees eligible for access to
classified information.
(b) CSAs share with other CSAs any
insider threat information reported to
them by entities, as lawful and
appropriate.
(c) A CSA may, on entity premises,
physically examine the interior spaces
of containers not authorized to store
classified information in the presence of
the entity’s representative.
(d) As part of a security review, the
CSA:
(1) Verifies that the entity limits entity
employees with access to classified
information to the minimum number
necessary to perform on contracts
requiring access to classified
information.
(2) Validates that the entity has not
provided its employees unauthorized
access to classified information;
(3) Reviews the entity’s selfinspection program and evaluates and
records the entity’s remedial actions;
and
(4) Verifies that the GCA approved
any public release of information
pertaining to a contract requiring access
to classified information.
(e) As a result of findings during the
security review, the CSA may, as
appropriate, notify:
(1) GCAs if there are unfavorable
results from the review; and
(2) A prime entity if the CSA
discovers unsatisfactory security
conditions pertaining to a sub-entity.
(f) The CSA maintains a record of
reviews it conducts and the results.
Based on review results, the responsible
CSA determines whether an entity’s
eligibility for access to classified
information may continue. See
§ 2004.32(g).
§ 2004.28
Cost reports.
(a) Agencies must annually report to
the Director, ISOO, on their NISP
implementation costs for the previous
year.
(b) CSAs must annually collect
information on NISP implementation
costs incurred by entities under their
cognizance and submit a report to the
Director, ISOO.
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§ 2004.26 Reviews of entity NISP
implementation.
Subpart C—Operations
(a) The responsible CSA conducts
recurring oversight reviews of entities’
NISP security programs to verify that
the entity is protecting classified
information and is implementing the
provisions of the NISPOM (or
equivalent). The CSA determines the
scope and frequency of reviews. The
CSA generally notifies entities when a
review will take place, but may also
conduct unannounced reviews at its
discretion.
(b) CSAs make every effort to avoid
unnecessarily intruding into entity
employee personal effects during the
reviews.
§ 2004.30 Security classification
requirements and guidance.
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(a) Contract or agreement and
solicition requirements. (1) The GCA
must incorporate FAR clause 52.204–2,
Security Requirements (or equivalent set
of security requirements), into contracts
or agreements and solicitations
requiring access to classified
information.
(2) The GCA must also include a
contract security classification
specification (or equivalent guidance)
with each contract or agreement and
solicitation that requires access to
classified information. The contract
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security classification specification (or
equivalent guidance) must identify the
specific elements of classified
information involved in each phase of
the contract or agreement life-cycle,
such as:
(i) Level of classification;
(ii) Where the entity will access or
store the classified information, and any
requirements or limitations on
transmitting classified information
outside the entity;
(iii) Any special accesses;
(iv) Any classification guides or other
guidance the entity needs to perform
during that phase of the contract or
agreement;
(v) Any authorization to disclose
information about the contract or
agreement requiring access to classified
information; and
(vi) GCA personnel responsible for
interpreting and applying the contract
security specifications (or equivalent
guidance).
(3) The GCA revises the contract
security classification specification (or
equivalent guidance) throughout the
contract or agreement life-cycle as
security requirements change.
(b) Guidance. Classification guidance
is the exclusive responsibility of the
GCA. The GCA prepares classification
guidance in accordance with 32 CFR
2001.15, and provides appropriate
security classification and
declassification guidance to entities.
(c) Requests for clarification and
classification challenges. (1) The GCA
responds to entity requests for
clarification and classification
challenges.
(2) The responsible CSA assists
entities to obtain appropriate
classification guidance from the GCA,
and to obtain a classification challenge
response from the GCA.
(d) Instructions upon contract or
agreement completion or termination.
(1) The GCA provides instructions to the
entity for returning or disposing of
classified information upon contract or
agreement completion or termination, or
when an entity no longer has a
legitimate need to retain or possess
classified information.
(2) The GCA also determines whether
the entity may retain classified
information for particular purposes after
the contract or agreement terminates,
and if so, provides written authorization
to the entity along with any instructions
or limitations (such as which
information, for how long, etc).
§ 2004.32 Determining entity eligibility for
access to classified information.
(a) Eligibility determinations. (1) The
responsible CSA determines whether an
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entity is eligible for access to classified
information. An entity may not have
access to classified information until the
responsible CSA determines that it
meets all the requirements in this
section. In general, the entity must be
eligible to access classified information
at the appropriate level before the CSA
may consider any of the entity’s
subsidiaries, sub-contractors, or other
sub-entities for eligibility. However,
when the subsidiary will perform all
classified work, the CSA may instead
exclude the parent entity from access to
classified information rather than
determining its eligibility. In either case,
the CSA must consider all information
relevant to assessing whether the
entity’s access poses an unacceptable
risk to national security interests.
(2) A favorable access eligibility
determination is not the same as a
safeguarding capability determination.
Entities may access classified
information with a favorable eligibility
determination, but may possess
classified information only if the CSA
determines both access eligibility and
safeguarding capability, based on the
GCA’s requirement in the contract
security classification specification (or
equivalent).
(3) If an entity has an existing
eligibility determination, a CSA will not
duplicate eligibility determination
processes performed by another CSA. If
a CSA cannot acknowledge an entity
eligibility determination to another
CSA, that entity may be subject to
duplicate processing.
(4) Each CSA maintains a record of its
entities’ eligibility determinations (or
critical infrastructure entity eligibility
status under the CCIPP, for DHS) and
responds to inquiries from GCAs or
entities, as appropriate and to the extent
authorized by law, regarding the
eligibility status of entities under their
cognizance.
(b) Process. (1) The responsible CSA
provides guidance to entities on the
eligibility determination process and on
how to maintain eligibility throughout
the period of the agreement or as long
as an entity continues to need access to
classified information in connection
with a legitimate U.S. or foreign
government requirement.
(2) The CSA coordinates with
appropriate authorities to determine
whether an entity meets the eligibility
criteria in paragraph (e) of this section.
This includes coordinating with
appropriate U.S. Government regulatory
authorities to determine entity
compliance with laws and regulations.
(3) An entity cannot apply for its own
eligibility determination. A GCA or an
eligible entity must sponsor the entity to
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the responsible CSA for an eligibility
determination. The GCA or eligible
entity may sponsor an entity at any
point during the contracting or
agreement life-cycle at which the entity
must have access to classified
information to participate (including the
solicitation or competition phase). An
entity with limited eligibility granted
under paragraph (f) of this section may
sponsor a sub-entity for a limited
eligibility determination for the same
contract, agreement, or circumstance so
long as the sponsoring entity is not
under FOCI (see § 2004.34(i)).
(4) The GCA must include enough
lead time in each phase of the
acquisition or agreement cycle to
accomplish all required security actions.
Required security actions include any
eligibility determination necessary for
an entity to participate in that phase of
the cycle. The GCA may award a
contract or agreement before the CSA
completes the entity eligibility
determination. However, in such cases,
the entity may not begin performance on
portions of the contract or agreement
that require access to classified
information until the CSA makes a
favorable entity eligibility
determination.
(5) When a CSA is unable to make an
eligibility determination in sufficient
time to qualify an entity to participate
in the particular procurement action or
phase that gave rise to the GCA request
(this includes both solicitation and
performance phases), the GCA may
request that the CSA continue the
determination process to qualify the
entity for future classified work for any
GCA, provided that the processing delay
was not due to the entity’s lack of
cooperation. Once the CSA determines
that an entity is eligible for access to
classified information, but a GCA does
not award a contract or agreement
requiring access to classified
information to the entity, or the entity’s
eligibility status changes, the CSA
terminates the entity eligibility
determination in accordance with
paragraph (g) of this section.
(c) Coverage. (1) A favorable eligibility
determination allows an entity to access
classified information at the determined
eligibility level, or lower.
(2) The CSA must ensure that all
entities needing access to classified
information as part of a legitimate U.S.
or foreign government requirement have
or receive a favorable eligibility
determination before accessing
classified information. This includes
both prime or parent entities and subentities, even in cases in which an
entity intends to have the classified
work performed only by sub-entities. A
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19957
prime or parent entity must have a
favorable eligibility determination at the
same classification level or higher than
its sub-entity(ies), unless the CSA
determined that the parent entity could
be effectively excluded from access (see
paragraph (a)(1) of this section).
(3) If a parent and sub-entity need to
share classified information with each
other, the CSA must validate that both
the parent and the sub-entity have
favorable eligibility determinations at
the level required for the classified
information prior to sharing the
information.
(d) DHS Classified Critical
Infrastructure Protection Program
(CCIPP). DHS shares classified
cybersecurity information with certain
employees of entities under the
Classified Critical Infrastructure
Protection Program (CCIPP). The CCIPP
applies only to entities that do not need
to store classified information, have no
other contracts or agreements already
requiring access to classified
information, and are not already
determined eligible for access to
classified information. DHS establishes
and implements procedures consistent
with the NISP to determine CCIPP entity
eligibility for access to classified
information.
(e) Eligibility criteria. An entity must
meet the following requirements to be
eligible to access classified information:
(1) It must need to access classified
information as part of a legitimate U.S.
Government or foreign government
requirement, and access must be
consistent with U.S. national security
interests as determined by the CSA;
(2) It must be organized and existing
under the laws of any of the 50 States,
the District of Columbia, or an organized
U.S. territory (Guam, Commonwealth of
the Northern Marianas Islands,
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the
U.S. Virgin Islands); or an American
Indian or Alaska native tribe formally
acknowledged by the Assistant
Secretary—Indian Affairs, of the U.S.
Department of the Interior;
(3) It must be located in the United
States or its territorial areas;
(4) It must have a record of
compliance with pertinent laws,
regulations, and contracts (or other
relevant agreements);
(5) Its KMOs must each have and
maintain eligibility for access to
classified information that is at least the
same level as the entity eligibility level;
(6) It and all of its KMOs must not be
excluded by a Federal agency, contract
review board, or other authorized
official from participating in Federal
contracts or agreements;
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(7) It must meet all requirements the
CSA or the authorizing law, regulation,
or Government-wide policy establishes
for access to the type of classified
information or program involved; and
(8) If the CSA determines the entity is
under foreign ownership, control, or
influence (FOCI), the responsible CSA
must:
(i) Agree that sufficient security
measures are in place to mitigate or
negate risk to national security interests
due to the FOCI (see § 2004.34);
(ii) Determine that it is appropriate to
grant eligibility for a single, narrowly
defined purpose (see § 2004.34(i)); or
(iii) Determine that the entity is not
eligible to access classified information.
(9) DoD and DOE cannot award a
contract involving access to proscribed
information to an entity effectively
owned or controlled by a foreign
government unless the Secretary of the
agency first issues a waiver (see 10
U.S.C. 2536). A waiver is not required
if the CSA determines the entity is
eligible and it agrees to establish a
voting trust agreement (VTA) or proxy
agreement (PA) (see § 2004.34(f))
because both VTAs and PAs effectively
negate foreign government control.
(f) Limited entity eligibility
determination. CSAs may choose to
allow GCAs to request limited entity
eligibility determinations (this is not the
same as limited entity eligibility in
situations involving FOCI when the
FOCI is not mitigated or negated; for
more information on limited entity
eligibility in such FOCI cases, see
§ 2004.34(i)). If a CSA permits GCAs to
request a limited entity eligibility
determination, it must set out
parameters within its implementing
policies that are consistent with the
following requirements:
(1) The GCA, or an entity with limited
eligibility, must first request a limited
entity eligibility determination from the
CSA for the relevant entity and provide
justification for limiting eligibility in
that case;
(2) Limited entity eligibility is specific
to the requesting GCA’s classified
information, and to a single, narrowly
defined contract, agreement, or
circumstance;
(3) The entity must otherwise meet
the requirements for entity eligibility set
out in this part;
(4) The CSA documents the
requirements of each limited entity
eligibility determination it makes,
including the scope of, and any
limitations on, access to classified
information;
(5) The CSA verifies limited entity
eligibility determinations only to the
requesting GCA or entity. In the case of
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multiple limited entity eligibility
determinations for a single entity, the
CSA verifies each one separately only to
its requestor; and
(6) CSAs administratively terminate
the limited entity eligibility when there
is no longer a need for access to the
classified information for which the
CSA approved the limited entity
eligibility.
(g) Terminating or revoking eligibility.
(1) The responsible CSA terminates the
entity’s eligible status when the entity
no longer has a need for access to
classified information.
(2) The responsible CSA revokes the
entity’s eligible status if the entity is
unable or unwilling to protect classified
information.
(3) The CSA coordinates with the
GCA(s) to take interim measures, as
necessary, toward either termination or
revocation.
§ 2004.34 Foreign ownership, control, or
influence (FOCI).
(a) FOCI determination. A U.S. entity
is under foreign ownership, control, or
influence (FOCI) when:
(1) A foreign interest has the power to
direct or decide matters affecting the
entity’s management or operations in a
manner that could:
(i) Result in unauthorized access to
classified information; or
(ii) Adversely affect performance of a
contract or agreement requiring access
to classified information; and
(2) The foreign interest exercises that
power:
(i) Directly or indirectly;
(ii) Through ownership of the U.S.
entity’s securities, by contractual
arrangements, or other similar means;
(iii) By the ability to control or
influence the election or appointment of
one or more members to the entity’s
governing board (e.g., board of directors,
board of managers, board of trustees) or
its equivalent; or
(iv) Prospectively (i.e., is not currently
exercising the power, but could).
(b) CSA guidance. The CSA
establishes guidance for entities on
filling out and submitting a Standard
Form (SF) 328, Certificate Pertaining to
Foreign Interests (OMB Control No.
0704–0194), and on reporting changes
in circumstances that might result in a
determination that the entity is under
FOCI or is no longer under FOCI. The
CSA also advises entities on the
Government appeal channels for
disputing CSA FOCI determinations.
(c) FOCI factors. To determine
whether an entity is under FOCI, the
CSA analyzes available information to
determine the existence, nature, and
source of FOCI. The CSA:
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(1) Considers information the entity or
its parent provides on the SF 328/CF
328 (OMB Control No. 0704–0194), and
any other relevant information; and
(2) Considers in the aggregate the
following factors about the entity:
(i) Record of espionage against U.S.
targets, either economic or Government;
(ii) Record of enforcement actions
against the entity for transferring
technology without authorization;
(iii) Record of compliance with
pertinent U.S. laws, regulations, and
contracts or agreements;
(iv) Type and sensitivity of the
information the entity would access;
(v) Source, nature, and extent of FOCI,
including whether foreign interests hold
a majority or minority position in the
entity, taking into consideration the
immediate, intermediate, and ultimate
parent entities;
(vi) Nature of any relevant bilateral
and multilateral security and
information exchange agreements;
(vii) Ownership or control, in whole
or in part, by a foreign government; and
(viii) Any other factor that indicates
or demonstrates foreign interest
capability to control or influence the
entity’s operations or management.
(d) Entity access while under FOCI. (1)
If the CSA is determining whether an
entity is eligible to access classified
information and finds that the entity is
under FOCI, the CSA must consider the
entity ineligible for access to classified
information. The CSA and the entity
may then attempt to negotiate FOCI
mitigation or negation measures
sufficient to permit a favorable
eligibility determination.
(2) The CSA may not determine that
the entity is eligible to access classified
information until the entity has put into
place appropriate security measures to
negate or mitigate FOCI or is otherwise
no longer under FOCI. If the degree of
FOCI is such that no mitigation or
negation efforts will be sufficient, or
access to classified information would
be inconsistent with national security
interests, then the CSA will determine
the entity ineligible for access to
classified information.
(3) If an entity comes under FOCI, the
CSA may allow the existing eligibility
status to continue while the CSA and
the entity negotiate acceptable FOCI
mitigation or negation measures, as long
as there is no indication that classified
information is at risk. If the entity does
not actively negotiate mitigation or
negation measures in good faith, or
there are no appropriate measures that
will remove the possibility of
unauthorized access to classified
information or adverse effect on the
entity’s performance of contracts or
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agreements involving classified
information, the CSA will take steps, in
coordination with the GCA, to terminate
eligibility.
(e) FOCI and entities under the CCIPP.
DHS may sponsor, as part of the CCIPP,
a U.S. entity that is under FOCI, under
the following circumstances:
(1) The Secretary of DHS proposes
appropriate FOCI risk mitigation or
negation measures (see paragraph (f) of
this section) to the other CSAs and
ensures the anticipated release of
classified information:
(i) Is authorized for release to the
country involved;
(ii) Does not include information
classified under the Atomic Energy Act;
and
(iii) Does not impede or interfere with
the entity’s ability to manage and
comply with regulatory requirements
imposed by other Federal agencies, such
as the State Department’s International
Traffic in Arms Regulation.
(2) If the CSAs agree the mitigation or
negation measures are sufficient, DHS
may proceed to enter a CCIPP
information sharing agreement with the
entity. If one or more CSAs disagree, the
Secretary of DHS may seek a decision
from the Assistant to the President for
National Security Affairs before entering
a CCIPP information sharing agreement
with the entity.
(f) Mitigation or negation measures to
address FOCI. (1) The CSA-approved
mitigation or negation measures must
assure that the entity can offset FOCI by
effectively denying unauthorized people
or entities access to classified
information and preventing the foreign
interest from adversely impacting the
entity’s performance on contracts or
agreements requiring access to classified
information.
(2) Any mitigation or negation
measures the CSA approves for an entity
must not impede or interfere with the
entity’s ability to manage and comply
with regulatory requirements imposed
by other Federal agencies (such as
Department of State’s International
Traffic in Arms Regulation).
(3) If the CSA approves a FOCI
mitigation or negation measure for an
entity, it may agree that the measure, or
particular portions of it, may apply to
all of the present and future sub-entities
within the entity’s organization.
(4) Mitigation or negation measures
are different for ownership versus
control or influence.
(5) Methods to mitigate foreign
control or influence (unrelated to
ownership) may include:
(i) Assigning specific oversight duties
and responsibilities to independent
board members;
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(ii) Formulating special executivelevel security committees to consider
and oversee matters that affect entity
performance on contracts or agreements
requiring access to classified
information;
(iii) Modifying or terminating loan
agreements, contracts, agreements, and
other understandings with foreign
interests;
(iv) Diversifying or reducing foreignsource income;
(v) Demonstrating financial viability
independent of foreign interests;
(vi) Eliminating or resolving problem
debt;
(vii) Separating, physically or
organizationally, the entity component
performing on contracts or agreements
requiring access to classified
information;
(viii) Adopting special board
resolutions;
(ix) A combination of these methods,
as determined by the CSA; or
(x) Other actions that effectively
negate or mitigate foreign control or
influence.
(6) Methods to mitigate or negate
foreign ownership include:
(i) Board resolutions. The CSA and
the entity may agree to a board
resolution when a foreign interest does
not own voting interests sufficient to
elect, or is otherwise not entitled to
representation on, the entity’s governing
board. The resolution must identify the
foreign shareholders and their
representatives (if any), note the extent
of foreign ownership, certify that the
foreign shareholders and their
representatives will not require, will not
have, and can be effectively excluded
from, access to all classified
information, and certify that the entity
will not permit the foreign shareholders
and their representatives to occupy
positions that might enable them to
influence the entity’s policies and
practices, affecting its performance on
contracts or agreements requiring access
to classified information.
(ii) Security control agreements
(SCAs). The CSA and the entity may
agree to use an SCA when a foreign
interest does not effectively own or
control an entity (i.e., the entity is under
U.S. control), but the foreign interest is
entitled to representation on the entity’s
governing board. At least one cleared
U.S. citizen must serve as an outside
director on the entity’s governing board.
(iii) Special security agreements
(SSAs). The CSA and the entity may
agree to use an SSA when a foreign
interest effectively owns or controls an
entity. The SSA preserves the foreign
owner’s right to be represented on the
entity’s board or governing body with a
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direct voice in the entity’s business
management, while denying the foreign
owner majority representation and
unauthorized access to classified
information. When a GCA requires an
entity to have access to proscribed
information, and the CSA proposes an
SSA as the mitigation measure, the CSA
makes a national interest determination
(NID) as part of determining an entity’s
eligibility for access. See paragraph (h)
of this section for more information on
NIDs.
(iv) Voting trust agreements (VTAs) or
proxy agreements (PAs). The CSA and
the entity may agree to use one of these
measures when a foreign interest
effectively owns or controls an entity.
The VTA and PA are arrangements that
vest the voting rights of the foreignowned stock in cleared U.S. citizens
approved by the CSA. Under the VTA,
the foreign owner transfers legal title in
the entity to the trustees approved by
the CSA. Under the PA, the foreign
owner conveys their voting rights to
proxy holders approved by the CSA.
The entity must be organized,
structured, and financed to be capable
of operating as a viable business entity
independently from the foreign owner.
Both VTAs and PAs can effectively
negate foreign ownership and control;
therefore, neither imposes any
restrictions on the entity’s eligibility to
have access to classified information or
to compete for contracts or agreements
requiring access to classified
information, including those involving
proscribed information. Both VTAs and
PAs can also effectively negate foreign
government control.
(v) Combinations of the measures in
paragraphs (f)(6)(i) through (iv) of this
section or other similar measures that
effectively mitigate or negate the risks
involved with foreign ownership. CSAs
must identify combination agreements
in a way that distinguishes them from
other agreements (e.g., a combination
SSA-proxy agreement cannot be
identified as either an SSA or a proxy
agreement beause those names would
not distinguish the combination
agreement from either of the other
types). CSAs must also coordinate terms
in combination agreements with the
controlling agency prior to releasing
proscribed information.
(g) Standards for FOCI mitigation or
negation measures. The CSA must
include the following requirements as
part of any FOCI mitigation or negation
measures, to ensure that entities
implement necessary security and
governing controls:
(1) Annual certification and annual
compliance reports by the entity’s
governing board and the KMOs;
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(2) The U.S. Government remedies in
case the entity is not adequately
protecting classified information or not
adhering to the provisions of the
mitigation or negation measure;
(3) Supplements to FOCI mitigation or
negation measures as the CSA deems
necessary. In addition to the standard
FOCI mitigation or negation measure’s
requirements, the CSA may require
more procedures via a supplement,
based upon the circumstances of an
entity’s operations. The CSA may place
these requirements in supplements to
the FOCI mitigation or negation measure
to allow flexibility as circumstances
change without having to renegotiate
the entire measure. When making use of
supplements, the CSA does not consider
the FOCI mitigation measure final until
it approves the required supplements
(e.g., technology control plan, electronic
communication plan); and
(4) For agreements to mitigate or
negate ownership (PAs, VTAs, SSAs,
and SCAs), the following additional
requirements apply:
(i) FOCI oversight. The CSA verifies
that the entity establishes an oversight
body consisting of trustees, proxy
holders or outside directors, as
applicable, and those officers or
directors whom the CSA determines are
eligible for access to classified
information (see § 2004.36). The entity’s
security officer is the principal advisor
to the oversight body and attends their
meetings. The oversight body:
(A) Maintains policies and procedures
to safeguard classified information in
the entity’s possession with no adverse
impact on performance of contracts or
agreements requiring access to classified
information; and
(B) Verifies the entity is complying
with the FOCI mitigation or negation
measure and related documents,
contract security requirements or
equivalent, and the NISP;
(ii) Qualifications of trustees, proxy
holders, and outside directors. The CSA
determines eligibility for access to
classified information for trustees, proxy
holders, and outside directors at the
classification level of the entity’s
eligibility determination. Trustees,
proxy holders, and outside directors
must meet the following criteria:
(A) Be a U.S. citizen residing in the
United States who can exercise
management prerogatives relating to
their position in a way that ensures that
the foreign owner can be effectively
insulated from the entity or effectively
separated from the entity’s classified
work;
(B) Be completely disinterested
individuals with no prior involvement
with the entity, the entities with which
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it is affiliated, or the foreign owner and
its affiliates. Individuals who are
serving as trustees, proxy holders, or
outside directors as part of a mitigation
measure for the entity are not
considered to have prior involvement
solely by performing that role; and
(C) Be involved in no other
circumstances that may affect an
individual’s ability to serve effectively,
such as the number of boards on which
the individual serves or the length of
time serving on any other boards;
(iii) Annual meeting. The CSA meets
at least annually with the oversight
body to review the purpose and
effectiveness of the FOCI mitigation or
negation agreement; establish a common
understanding of the operating
requirements and their implementation;
and provide guidance on matters related
to FOCI mitigation and industrial
security. These meetings include a CSA
review of:
(A) Compliance with the approved
FOCI mitigation or negation measure;
(B) Problems regarding practical
implementation of the mitigation or
negation measure; and
(C) Security controls, practices, or
procedures and whether they warrant
adjustment; and
(iv) Annual certification. The CSA
reviews the entity’s annual report;
addresses, and resolves issues identified
in the report; and documents the results
of this review and any follow-up
actions.
(h) National interest determination
(NID)—(1) Requirement for a NID. (i)
The CSA must determine whether
allowing an entity access to proscribed
information under an SSA is consistent
with national security interests of the
United States as part of making an entity
eligibility determination in cases in
which:
(A) The GCA requires an entity to
have access to proscribed information;
(B) The entity is under FOCI; and
(C) The CSA proposes an SSA to
mitigate the FOCI.
(ii) This determination is called a
national interest determination (NID). A
favorable NID confirms that an entity’s
access to the proscribed information
under an SSA is consistent with
national security interests. If the CSA is
unable to render a favorable NID, it
must consider other FOCI mitigation
measures instead of an SSA or reassess
the entity’s eligibility for access to
classified information.
(2) NID process. (i) The CSA makes
the NID for any categories of proscribed
information for which the entity
requires access.
(ii) In cases in which any category of
the proscribed information is controlled
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by another agency (ODNI for SCI, DOE
for RD, NSA for COMSEC), the CSA asks
that controlling agency to concur on the
NID for that category of information.
(iii) The CSA informs the GCA and
the entity when the NID is complete. In
cases involving SCI, RD, or COMSEC,
the CSA also informs the GCA and the
entity when a controlling agency
concurs or non-concurs on that agency’s
category of proscribed information. The
entity may begin accessing a category of
proscribed information once the CSA
informs the GCA and the entity that the
controlling agency concurs, even if
other categories of proscribed
information are pending concurrence.
(iv) An entity’s access to SCI, RD, or
COMSEC remains in effect so long as
the entity remains eligible for access to
classified information and the contract
or agreement (or program or project)
which imposes the requirement for
access to those categories of proscribed
information remains in effect, except
under the following circumstances:
(A) The CSA, GCA, or controlling
agency becomes aware of adverse
information that impacts the entity
eligibility determination;
(B) The CSA’s threat assessment
pertaining to the entity indicates a risk
to one of the categories of proscribed
information;
(C) The CSA becomes aware of any
material change regarding the source,
nature, and extent of FOCI; or
(D) The entity’s record of NISP
compliance, based on CSA reviews in
accordance with § 2004.26, becomes less
than satisfactory.
(v) Under any of these circumstances,
the CSA determines whether an entity
may continue being eligible for access to
classified information, it must change
the FOCI mitigation measure in order to
remain eligible, or the CSA must
terminate or revoke access.
(3) Process for concurring or nonconcurring on a NID. (i) Each
controlling agency tells the CSAs what
information the controlling agency
requires to consider a NID. ODNI
identifies the information it requires to
assess a NID for access to SCI, DOE
identifies the information it requires to
assess a NID for access to RD, and NSA
identifies the information it requires to
assess a NID for access to COMSEC.
(ii) The CSA requests from the GCA
justification for access, a description of
the proscribed information involved,
and other information the controlling
agency requires to concur or non-concur
on the NID.
(iii) The CSA requests concurrence on
the NID from the controlling agency for
the relevant category of proscribed
information (ODNI for SCI, DOE for RD,
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NSA for COMSEC), and provides the
information that controlling agency
identified.
(iv) The relevant controlling agency
(ODNI for SCI, DOE for RD, NSA for
COMSEC) responds in writing to the
CSA’s request for concurrence.
(A) The controlling agency may
concur with the NID for access under a
particular contract or agreement, access
under a program or project, or for all
future access to the same category of
proscribed information.
(B) If the relevant controlling agency
does not concur with the NID, the
controlling agency informs the CSA in
writing, citing the reasons why it does
not concur. The CSA notifies the
applicable GCA and, in coordination
with the GCA, then notifies the entity.
The entity cannot have access to the
category of proscribed information
under the control of that agency (i.e., if
ODNI does not concur, the entity may
not have access to SCI; if DOE does not
concur, the entity may not have access
to RD; and if NSA does not concur, the
entity may not have access to COMSEC).
The CSA, in consultation with the
applicable GCA, must decide whether
the reason the controlling agency did
not concur otherwise affects the entity’s
eligibility for access to classified
information (see § 2004.32(g)), or
requires changing the FOCI mitigation
measure (see paragraph (f) of this
section).
(v) When an entity is eligible for
access to classified information that
includes a favorable NID for SCI, RD, or
COMSEC, the CSA does not have to
request a new NID concurrence for the
same entity if the access requirements
for the relevant category of proscribed
information and terms remain
unchanged for:
(A) Renewing the contract or
agreement;
(B) New task orders issued under the
contract or agreement;
(C) A new contract or agreement that
contains the same provisions as the
previous one (this usually applies when
the contract or agreement is for a
program or project); or
(D) Renewing the SSA.
(vi) When making the decision
whether or not to concur with a NID for
proscribed information under its
control, the controlling agency will not
duplicate work already performed by
the GCA during the contract award
process or by the CSA when
determining entity eligibility for access
to classified information.
(4) Timing for concurrence process. (i)
The CSA requests NID concurrence from
the controlling agency as soon as the
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CSA has made a NID, if the entity needs
access to SCI, RD, or COMSEC.
(ii) The controlling agency provides a
final, written concurrence or nonconcurrence to the CSA within 30 days
after receiving the request for
concurrence from the CSA.
(iii) In cases when a controlling
agency requires clarification or
additional information from the CSA,
the controlling agency responds to the
CSA within 30 days to request
clarification or additional information
as needed, and to coordinate a plan and
timeline for concurring or nonconcurring. The controlling agency must
provide written updates to the CSA
every 30 days until it concurs or nonconcurs. In turn, the CSA provides the
GCA and the entity with updates every
30 days.
(i) Limited eligibility determinations
(for entities under FOCI without
mitigation or negation). (1) In
exceptional circumstances when an
entity is under FOCI, the CSA may
decide that limited eligibility for access
to classified information is appropriate
when the entity is unable or unwilling
to implement FOCI mitigation or
negation measures (this is not the same
as limited eligibility in other
circumstances; for more information on
limited eligibility in other cases, see
§ 2004.32(f)).
(2) The GCA first decides whether to
request a limited eligibility
determination for the entity and must
articulate a compelling need for it to the
CSA that is in accordance with U.S.
national security interests. The GCA
must verify to the CSA that access to
classified information is essential to
contract or agreement performance, and
accept the risk inherent in not
mitigating or negating the FOCI. See
§ 2004.32(b)(3).
(3) The CSA may grant a limited
eligibility determination if the GCA
requests and the entity meets all other
eligibility criteria in § 2004.32(e).
(4) A foreign government may sponsor
a U.S. sub-entity of a foreign entity for
limited eligibility when the foreign
government desires to award a contract
or agreement to the U.S. sub-entity that
involves access to classified information
for which the foreign government is the
original classification authority (i.e.,
foreign government information), and
there is no other need for the U.S. subentity to have access to classified
information.
(5) Limited eligibility determinations
are specific to the classified information
of the requesting GCA or foreign
government, and specific to a single,
narrowly defined contract, agreement,
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19961
or circumstance of that GCA or foreign
government.
(6) The access limitations of a
favorable limited eligibility
determination apply to all of the entity’s
employees, regardless of citizenship.
(7) A limited eligibility determination
is not an option for entities that require
access to proscribed information when a
foreign government has ownership or
control over the entity. See
§ 2004.32(e)(9).
(8) The CSA administratively
terminates the entity’s limited eligibility
when there is no longer a need for
access to the classified information for
which the CSA made the favorable
limited eligibility determination.
Terminating one limited eligibility
status does not impact other ones the
entity may have.
§ 2004.36 Determining entity employee
eligibility for access to classified
information.
(a) Making employee eligibility
determinations. (1) The responsible
CSA:
(i) Determines whether entity
employees meet the criteria established
in the Security Executive Agent
Directive (SEAD) 4, National Security
Adjudicative Guidelines (December 10,
2016). Entity employees must have a
legitimate requirement (i.e., need to
know) for access to classified
information in the performance of
assigned duties and eligibility must be
clearly consistent with the interest of
the national security.
(ii) Notifies entities of its
determinations of employee eligibility
for access to classified information.
(iii) Terminates eligibility status when
there is no longer a need for access to
classified information by entity
employees.
(2) The responsible CSA maintains:
(i) SF 312s, Classified Information
Nondisclosure Agreements, or other
approved nondisclosure agreements,
executed by entity employees, as
prescribed by ODNI in accordance with
32 CFR 2001.80 and E.O. 13526; and
(ii) Records of its entity employee
eligibility determinations, suspensions,
and revocations.
(3) CSAs ensure that entities limit the
number of employees with access to
classified information to the minimum
number necessary to work on contracts
or agreements requiring access to
classified information.
(4) The CSA determines the need for
event-driven reinvestigations for entity
employees.
(5) CSAs use the Federal Investigative
Standards (FIS) issued jointly by the
Suitability and Security Executive
Agents.
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(6) The CSA provides guidance to
entities on:
(i) Requesting employee eligibility
determinations, to include guidance for
submitting fingerprints; and
(ii) Granting employee access to
classified information when the
employee has had a break in access or
a break in employment.
(7) If the CSA receives adverse
information about an eligible entity
employee, the CSA should consider and
possibly investigate, as authorized, to
determine whether the employee’s
eligibility to access classified
information remains clearly consistent
with the interests of national security. If
the CSA determines that an entity
employee’s continued eligibility is not
in the interest of national security, the
CSA implements procedures leading to
suspension and ultimate revocation of
the employee’s eligible status, and
notifies the entity.
(b) Consultants. A consultant is an
individual under contract or agreement
to provide professional or technical
assistance to an entity in a capacity
requiring access to classified
information. A consultant is considered
an entity employee for security
purposes. The CSA makes eligibility
determinations for entity consultants in
the same way it does for entity
employees.
(c) Reciprocity. The responsible CSA
determines if an entity employee was
previously investigated or determined
eligible by another CSA. CSAs
reciprocally accept existing employee
eligibility determinations in accordance
with applicable and current national
level personnel security policy, and
must not duplicate employee eligibility
investigations conducted by another
CSA.
(d) Limited access authorization
(LAA). (1) CSAs may make LAA
determinations for non-U.S. citizen
entity employees in rare circumstances,
when:
(i) A non-U.S. citizen employee
possesses unique or unusual skill or
expertise that the agency urgently needs
to support a specific U.S. Government
contract or agreement; and
(ii) A U.S. citizen with those skills is
not available.
(2) A CSA may grant LAAs up to the
secret classified level.
(3) CSAs may not use LAAs for access
to:
(i) Top secret (TS) information;
(ii) RD or FRD information;
(iii) Information that a Governmentdesignated disclosure authority has not
determined releasable to the country of
which the individual is a citizen;
(iv) COMSEC information;
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16:29 May 04, 2018
Jkt 244001
(v) Intelligence information, to
include SCI;
(vi) NATO information, except as
follows: Foreign nationals of a NATO
member nation may be authorized
access to NATO information subject to
the terms of the contract, if the
responsible CSA obtains a NATO
security clearance certificate from the
individual’s country of citizenship.
NATO access is limited to performance
on a specific NATO contract;
(vii) Information for which the U.S.
Government has prohibited foreign
disclosure in whole or in part; or
(viii) Information provided to the U.S.
Government by another government that
is classified or provided in confidence.
(4) The responsible CSA provides
specific procedures to entities for
requesting LAAs. The GCA must concur
on an entity’s LAA request before the
CSA may grant it.
§ 2004.38
Safeguarding and marking.
(a) Safeguarding approval. (1) The
CSA determines whether an entity’s
safeguarding capability meets
requirements established in 32 CFR part
2001, and other applicable national
level policy (e.g., Atomic Energy Act for
RD). If the CSA makes a favorable
determination, the entity may store
classified information at that level or
below. If the determination is not
favorable, the CSA must ensure that the
entity does not possess classified
information or does not possess
information at the classification level
denied or a higher level.
(2) The CSA maintains records of its
safeguarding capability determinations
and, upon request from GCAs or
entities, and as appropriate and to the
extent authorized by law, verifies that it
has made a favorable safeguarding
determination for a given entity and at
what level.
(b) Marking. The GCA provides
guidance to entities that meets
requirements in 32 CFR 2001.22,
2001.23, 2001.24, and 2001.25,
Derivative classification, Classification
marking in the electronic environment,
Additional requirements, and
Declassification markings; ISOO’s
marking guide, Marking Classified
National Security Information; and
other applicable national level policy
(e.g., Atomic Energy Act for RD) for
marking classified information and
material.
§ 2004.40
Information system security.
(a) The responsible CSA must
authorize an entity information system
before the entity can use it to process
classified information. The CSA must
use the most complete, accurate, and
PO 00000
Frm 00058
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
trustworthy information to make a
timely, credible, and risk-based decision
whether to authorize an entity’s system.
(b) The responsible CSA issues to
entities guidance that establishes
protection measures for entity
information systems that process
classified information. The responsible
CSA must base the guidance on
standards applicable to Federal systems,
which must include the Federal
Information Security Modernization Act
of 2014 (FISMA), Public Law 113–283,
and may include National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST)
publications, Committee on National
Security Systems (CNSS) publications,
and Federal information processing
standards (FIPS).
§ 2004.42
[Reserved]
Appendix A to Part 2004—Acronym
Table
For details on many of these terms, see the
definitions at § 2004.4.
CCIPP—Classified Critical Infrastructure
Protection Program
CCIPP POC—Entity point of contact under
the CCIPP program
CIA—Central Intelligence Agency
CSA—Cognizant security agency
CNSS—Committee on National Security
Systems
COMSEC—Communications security
CSO—Cognizant security office
DHS—Department of Homeland Security
DoD—Department of Defense
DOE—Department of Energy
EA—Executive agent (the NISP executive
agent is DoD)
E.O.—Executive Order
FAR—Federal Aquisition Regulation
FOCI—Foreign ownership, control, or
influence
GCA—Government contracting activity
Insider threat program SO—insider threat
senior official (for an agency or for an
entity)
ISOO—Information Security Oversight Office
of the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA)
KMO—Key managers and officials (of an
entity)
LAA—Limited access authorization
NID—National interest determination
NISPOM—National Industrial Security
Program Operating Manual
NRC—Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NSA—National Security Agency
ODNI—Office of the Director of National
Intelligence
PA—Proxy agreement
RD—Restricted data
SF—Standard Form
SAO—Senior agency official for NISP
SAP—Special access program
SCA—Security control agreement
SCI—Sensitive compartmented information
SSA—Special security agreement
TS—Top secret (classification level)
E:\FR\FM\07MYR1.SGM
07MYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 88 / Monday, May 7, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
§ Section
U.S.C. United States Code
VT—Voting trust
David S. Ferriero,
Archivist of the United States.
[FR Doc. 2018–09465 Filed 5–4–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7515–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 165
[Docket Number USCG–2018–0077]
RIN 1625–AA00
Safety Zone; Ohio River, Metropolis, IL
Coast Guard, DHS.
Temporary final rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Coast Guard is
establishing an emergency temporary
safety zone for all navigable waters of
the Ohio River extending from mile
marker (MM) 939.8 to MM 943.0 near
Metropolis, IL. This emergency safety
zone is needed to protect life, vessels,
and the marine environment due to the
sinking of one barge in the navigable
channel of the Ohio River near MM
940.8 and one barge near the left
descending bank at MM 942.5. Entry of
vessels or persons into this zone is
prohibited unless specifically
authorized by the Captain of the Port
Sector Ohio Valley (COTP) or a
designated representative.
DATES: This rule is effective without
actual notice from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59
p.m. on May 7, 2018. For the purposes
of enforcement, actual notice will be
used from May 1, 2018 until May 7,
2018.
SUMMARY:
To view documents
mentioned in this preamble as being
available in the docket, go to https://
www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2018–
0077 in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click
‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket
Folder on the line associated with this
rule.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
you have questions on this rule, call or
email Petty Officer Joshua Herriott,
Sector Ohio Valley, U.S. Coast Guard;
telephone 502–779–5343, email
SECOHV-WWM@uscg.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
ADDRESSES:
I. Table of Abbreviations
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port Sector Ohio
Valley
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
MM Mile marker
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:29 May 04, 2018
Jkt 244001
II. Background Information and
Regulatory History
The Coast Guard is issuing this
temporary rule without prior notice and
opportunity to comment pursuant to
authority under section 4(a) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA)
(5 U.S.C. 553(b)). This provision
authorizes an agency to issue a rule
without prior notice and opportunity to
comment when the agency for good
cause finds that those procedures are
‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary
to the public interest.’’ Under 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(3)(B), the Coast Guard finds that
good cause exists for not publishing a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
with respect to this rule because
publishing an NPRM would be
impracticable and contrary to the public
interest. On May 1, 2018, a towing
vessel struck the I–24 Bridge near mile
marker (MM) 940.8, causing 12 barges to
break away. One barge sank near MM
940.8, and another sank near MM 942.5
on the left-descending bank. This safety
zone must be established immediately
to protect people and vessels associated
with and resulting from the hazard to
navigation created by the sunken barges
and we lack sufficient time to provide
a reasonable comment period and then
consider those comments before issuing
this rule. This safety zone includes
closures and navigation restrictions and
requirements that are vital to
maintaining safe navigation on the Ohio
River during the recovery of the sunken
barges. Therefore, delaying the effective
date for this emergency safety zone to
complete the NPRM process would also
be contrary to the public interest as it
would delay the safety measures vital to
safe navigation.
Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast
Guard finds that good cause exists for
making this rule effective less than 30
days after publication in the Federal
Register. Delaying the effective date of
this rule would be contrary to public
interest because immediate action is
needed to protect personnel, vessels,
and the marine environment from
potential hazards created by the sunken
barges.
III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule
The Coast Guard is issuing this rule
under authority in 33 U.S.C. 1231. The
Captain of the Port Sector Ohio Valley
(COTP) has determined that potential
hazards associated with the sunken
barges will be a safety concern for
anyone within MM 939.8 to MM 943.0
of the Ohio River, starting on May 1,
PO 00000
Frm 00059
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
19963
2018, and continuing 24 hours daily
through 11:59 p.m. on May 7, 2018. This
rule is needed to protect personnel,
vessels, and the marine environment in
the navigable waters within the safety
zone while the sunken barges are being
recovered.
IV. Discussion of the Rule
The Coast Guard is establishing a
temporary emergency safety zone for all
navigable waters of the Ohio River from
MM 939.8 and MM 943.0, extending the
entire width of the river. Entry is
prohibited for all traffic beginning on
May 1, 2018 and will continue to be
prohibited through midnight on May 7,
2018 or until the hazard has been
mitigated. The COTP will terminate the
enforcement of this safety zone before
May 7, 2018, if the sunken barges have
been recovered. Entry into this safety
zone is prohibited unless authorized by
the COTP or his designated
representative. A designated
representative is a commissioned,
warrant, or petty officer of the U.S.
Coast Guard assigned to units under the
operational control of USCG Sector
Ohio Valley.
Requests for entry will be considered
and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The COTP may be contacted by
telephone at 502–779–5422 or can be
reached by VHF–FM channel 16.
Persons and vessels permitted to enter
this safety zone must transit at their
slowest safe speed and comply with all
lawful directions issued by the COTP or
the designated representative.
V. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this rule after
considering numerous statutes and
Executive orders related to rulemaking.
Below we summarize our analyses
based on a number of these statutes and
Executive orders, and we discuss First
Amendment rights of protestors.
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
direct agencies to assess the costs and
benefits of available regulatory
alternatives and, if regulation is
necessary, to select regulatory
approaches that maximize net benefits.
Executive Order 13771 directs agencies
to control regulatory costs through a
budgeting process. This rule has not
been designated a ‘‘significant
regulatory action,’’ under Executive
Order 12866. Accordingly, this rule has
not been reviewed by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB), and
pursuant to OMB guidance it is exempt
from the requirements of Executive
Order 13771.
E:\FR\FM\07MYR1.SGM
07MYR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 88 (Monday, May 7, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19950-19963]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-09465]
[[Page 19950]]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
Information Security Oversight Office
32 CFR Part 2004
[FDMS No. NARA-16-0006; Agency No. NARA-2018-032]
RIN 3095-AB79
National Industrial Security Program
AGENCY: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) of the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), is revising the
National Industrial Security Program (NISP) Directive. The NISP
safeguards classified information the Federal Government or foreign
governments release to contractors, licensees, grantees, and
certificate holders. This revision adds provisions incorporating
executive branch insider threat policy and minimum standards,
identifies the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)
and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as new cognizant security
agencies (CSAs), and adds responsibilities for all CSAs and non-CSA
departments and agencies (to reflect oversight functions that are
already detailed for private sector entities in the National Industrial
Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)). This revision also makes
other administrative changes to be consistent with recent revisions to
the NISPOM and with updated regulatory language and style.
DATES: This rule is effective on May 7, 2018.
ADDRESSES: National Archives and Records Administration; ATTN: External
Policy Program, Suite 4100, 8601 Adelphi Road; College Park, MD 20740.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about this regulation
and the regulatory process, contact Kimberly Keravuori, External Policy
Program Manager, by email at [email protected], or by
telephone at 301.837.3151. For information about the NISP and the
requirements in this regulation, contact Mark A. Bradley, Director,
ISOO, by telephone at 202-357-5205.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We published proposed revisions to this rule
in the Federal Register on January 11, 2017 (82 FR 3219) and received
seven sets of public comments in response, from companies, industry
representative organizations, and law firms. The vast majority of the
comments were on 32 CFR 2004.32 and 2004.34, relating to national
interest determinations (NIDs) made when an entity is under foreign
ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) and the proposed mitigation
method is a special security agreement. Overall, commenters strongly
recommended that NIDs be eliminated, but, if not possible to do so, the
commenters suggested ways in which to streamline the process and the
regulatory provisions, including granting the Defense Security Service
(DSS) authority to make NIDs concurrently with making eligibility
determinations, establishing a presumption of approval if an entity
otherwise has a favorable record, and making NIDs prior to contract
awards.
We are not at this time able to eliminate NIDs because certain
categories of classified information involve assessment of factors
specific to that information. The regulation is also not drafted on the
basis of what DSS may or may not do, as DSS is not one of the cognizant
security agencies (CSAs) specifically named in Executive Order (E.O.)
12829. DSS has authority granted to it by the Department of Defense,
one of the CSAs, and each CSA has equivalent authority under the NISP
to make entity eligibility determinations and NIDs. We decline to
create a presumption of approval because of the potential risk to
national security, particularly with regard to certain categories of
proscribed information. In addition, no agency has the capability to
evaluate companies for a NID prior to any acquisition activity so as to
include the NID in contract award documents.
Nonetheless, we have taken the comments and suggestions into
consideration and made changes to further streamline the NID process
and these regulatory sections in response to the public comments. We
have established that the CSA (or DSS for the CSA, in the case of DoD
determinations) makes the NID and does so concurrently with making the
entity eligibility determination. In this manner, for several
categories of classified information, the NID will take no longer than
the entity eligibility determination. In cases in which the proscribed
information does not require concurrence from a controlling agency, the
entity's access may begin as soon as a positive determination is made.
Now, only in cases in which the proscribed information requires
concurrence from a controlling agency (RD, COMSEC, SCI), must the
entity wait in order to have access to that information. We have
revised the process to also allow an entity to begin accessing a
category of proscribed information once the CSA informs the entity that
the controlling agency concurs, even if other categories of proscribed
information are pending concurrence. This allows entities to begin work
and have access to at least part of the information at a faster rate.
In addition, we revised the regulation to allow an entity's access
to SCI, RD, or COMSEC to remain in effect so long as the entity remains
eligible for access to classified information and the contract or
agreement imposing the requirement for access to those categories of
proscribed information remains in effect, except under certain
circumstances, and to remain in effect across contract renewals, new
task orders, and SSA renewals (except under certain circumstances).
Both of these revisions reduce the number of NIDs an entity must
undergo and reduce the potential disruptions and burdens of previous
NID frequency. We believe these regulations significantly streamline
the NID process and reduce burdens on entities by: (1) Allowing the CSA
to render NIDs for certain categories of information concurrently with
eligibility determinations, (2) allowing access to information as NID
concurrences are received rather than waiting for all concurrences, and
(3) establishing a 30-day timeline for concurrence (this was included
in the proposed rule).
We have coordinated and vetted the comments and resulting revisions
through the CSAs listed in E. O. 12829, National Industrial Security
Program (January 6, 1993 (58 FR 3479)), as amended by E.O. 13691
(February 13, 2015 (80 FR 9347)): Department of Defense, Department of
Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of the Director of
National Intelligence, and Department of Homeland Security. We have
also coordinated this rule with the other executive branch agencies
that are members of the National Industrial Security Program Policy
Advisory Committee (NISPPAC) or that release classified information to
contractors, licensees, grantees, or certificate holders, and with the
industry members of the NISPPAC. These revisions do not change
requirements for industry (which are contained in the NISPOM), but
instead clarify agency responsibilities.
Background
The NISP is the Federal Government's single, integrated industrial
security program. E.O. 12829 (amended in 1993) established the NISP to
safeguard classified information in industry and
[[Page 19951]]
preserve the nation's economic and technological interests. The
President issued E.O. 13691, Promoting Private Sector Cybersecurity
Information Sharing (February 13, 2015 (80 FR 9347)), and E.O. 13708,
Continuance or Reestablishment of Certain Federal Advisory Committees
(September 30, 2015 (80 FR 60271)), which further amended E.O. 12829.
E.O. 12829, sec. 102(b), delegated oversight of the NISP to the
Director of NARA's Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO). As
part of ISOO's responsibilities under E.O. 12829, it is authorized to
issue such directives as necessary to implement the E.O., which are
binding on agencies. In 2006, ISOO issued, and periodically updates,
this regulation, which functions as one of those directives.
This regulation establishes uniform standards throughout the
Program, and helps agencies implement requirements in E.O. 12829, as
amended (collectively referred to as ``E.O. 12829'').
This revision also establishes agency responsibilities for
implementing the insider threat provisions of E.O. 13587, Structural
Reforms to Improve the Security of Classified Networks and the
Responsible Sharing and Safeguarding of Classified Information (October
7, 2011 (76 FR 63811)) within the NISP. However, the regulation does
not stand alone; users should refer concurrently to the underlying
executive orders for guidance.
Nothing in this regulation supersedes the authority of the
Secretary of Energy or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under the
Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2011, et seq.); the
authority of the Director of National Intelligence (or any intelligence
community element) under the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism
Prevention Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-458), the National Security Act of
1947 (50 U.S.C. 401, et seq.), as amended, and E.O. 12333 (December 4,
1981), as amended by E.O. 13355, Strengthened Management of the
Intelligence Community (August 27, 2004) and E.O. 13470, Further
Amendments to Executive Order 12333 (July 30, 2008); or the authority
of the Secretary of Homeland Security, as the Executive Agent for the
Classified National Security Information Program established under E.O.
13549, Classified National Security Information Program for State,
Local, Tribal, and Private Sector Entities (August 18, 2010), or by E.
O. 13284, Amendment of Executive Orders, and Other Actions, in
Connection with the Establishment of the Department of Homeland
Security, (January 23, 2003).
Regulatory Analysis
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has reviewed this
proposed regulation.
Review Under Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735
(September 30, 1993), and Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation
and Regulation Review, 76 FR 23821 (January 18, 2011), direct agencies
to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives
and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that
maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental,
public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity).
This rule is not ``significant'' under Executive Order 12866, sec.
3(f), and is not a major rule as defined in 5 U.S.C. Chapter 8,
Congressional Review of Agency Rulemaking. The Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) has reviewed this regulation.
Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601, et seq.)
This review requires an agency to prepare an initial regulatory
flexibility analysis and publish it when the agency publishes the
proposed rule. This requirement does not apply if the agency certifies
that the rule will not, if promulgated, have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities (5 U.S.C. 603). As
required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act, we certify that this
rulemaking will not have a significant impact on a substantial number
of small entities because it applies only to Federal agencies. This
regulation does not establish requirements for entities; those
requirements are established in the NISPOM. This rule sets out
coinciding requirements for agencies. However, agencies implementing
this regulation will do so through contracts with businesses (as well
as other agreements with entities) and thus it indirectly affects those
entities. Agencies have been applying the requirements and procedures
contained in the NISPOM (and, to a lesser extent, contained in this
regulation) to entities for 20 years, with the exception of insider
threat provisions added to the NISPOM in 2016, and the additions to
this regulation do not substantially alter those requirements. Most of
the provisions being added to this regulation have applied to entities
through the NISPOM; we are simply incorporating the agency
responsibilities for those requirements into the regulation. Other
revisions to this regulation are primarily administrative, except the
new insider threat requirements. The insider threat requirements make
minor additions to training, oversight, information system security,
and similar functions already being conducted by entities, and thus
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small business entities.
Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et
seq.)
This rule contains information collection activities that are
subject to review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act. We refer to the following OMB-
approved DoD information collection in Sec. 2004.34(b) and (c)(1) of
this regulation: OMB control No. 0704-0194, SF 328/CF 328, Certificate
Pertaining to Foreign Interests, approved through September 30, 2019.
DoD published the information collection notice in the Federal Register
in May 2015 (80 FR 27938, May 15, 2015) for public comment, and the
notice of OMB review in the Federal Register in July 2016 (81 FR 47790,
July 22, 2016), providing a second opportunity for public comment.
Review Under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, 64 FR 43255 (August 4,
1999)
Review under Executive Order 13132 requires that agencies review
regulations for federalism effects on the institutional interest of
states and local governments, and, if the effects are sufficiently
substantial, prepare a Federal assessment to assist senior policy
makers. This rule will not have any direct effects on State and local
governments within the meaning of the Executive Order. Therefore, this
rule does not include a federalism assessment.
Review Under Executive Order 13771
This final rule is not subject to the requirements of Executive
Order 13771 because this final rule is related to agency organization,
management, or personnel.
List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 2004
Classified information, National Industrial Security Program.
0
For the reasons stated in the preamble, the National Archives and
Records Administration amends 32 CFR chapter XX by revising part 2004
to read as follows:
[[Page 19952]]
PART 2004--NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL SECURITY PROGRAM (NISP)
Subpart A--Implementation and Oversight
Sec.
2004.1 Purpose and scope.
2004.4 Definitions that apply to this part.
2004.10 Responsibilities of the Director, Information Security
Oversight Office (ISOO).
2004.11 CSA and agency implementing regulations, internal rules, or
guidelines.
2004.12 ISOO reviews of agency NISP implementation.
Subpart B--Administration
2004.20 National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent (EA)
and Operating Manual (NISPOM).
2004.22 Agency responsibilities.
2004.24 Insider threat program.
2004.26 Reviews of entity NISP implementation.
2004.28 Cost reports.
Subpart C--Operations
2004.30 Security classification requirements and guidance.
2004.32 Determining entity eligibility for access to classified
information.
2004.34 Foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI).
2004.36 Determining entity employee eligibility for access to
classified information.
2004.38 Safeguarding and marking.
2004.40 Information system security.
2004.42 [Reserved]
Appendix A to Part 2004--Acronym Table
Authority: Section 102(b)(1) of E.O. 12829 (January 6, 1993),
as amended by E.O. 12885 (December 14, 1993), E.O. 13691 (February
12, 2015), and section 4 of E.O. 13708 (September 30, 2015).
Subpart A--Implementation and Oversight
Sec. 2004.1 Purpose and scope.
(a) This part sets out the National Industrial Security Program
(``NISP'' or ``the Program'') governing the protection of agency
classified information released to Federal contractors, licensees,
grantees, and certificate holders. It establishes uniform standards
throughout the Program, and helps agencies implement requirements in
E.O. 12829, National Industrial Security Program, as amended by E.O.
12558 and E.O.13691 (collectively referred to as ``E.O. 12829''), E.O.
13691, Promoting Private Sector Cybersecurity Information Sharing, and
E.O. 13587, Structural Reforms to Improve the Security of Classified
Networks and the Responsible Sharing and Safeguarding of Classified
Information. It applies to any executive branch agency that releases
classified information to current, prospective, or former Federal
contractors, licensees, grantees, or certificate holders. However, this
part does not stand alone; users should refer concurrently to the
underlying executive orders for guidance. ISOO maintains policy
oversight over the NISP as established by E.O.12829.
(b) This part also does not apply to release of classified
information pursuant to criminal proceedings. The Classified
Information Procedures Act (CIPA) (18 U.S.C. Appendix 3) governs
release of classified information in criminal proceedings.
(c) Nothing in this part supersedes the authority of the Secretary
of Energy or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under the Atomic Energy
Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2011, et seq.) (collectively
referred to as ``the Atomic Energy Act''); the authority of the
Director of National Intelligence (or any intelligence community
element) under the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of
2004 (Pub. L. 108-458), the National Security Act of 1947 as amended
(50 U.S.C. 401, et seq.), and E.O. 12333 (December 4, 1981), as amended
by E.O. 13355, Strengthened Management of the Intelligence Community
(August 27, 2004) and E.O. 13470, Further Amendments to Executive Order
12333 (July 30, 2008) (collectively referred to as ``E.O. 12333''); or
the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security, as the Executive
Agent for the Classified National Security Information Program
established under E.O. 13549, Classified National Security Information
Program for State, Local, Tribal, and Private Sector Entities (August
18, 2010), or as established by E.O. 13284, Amendment of Executive
Orders, and Other Actions, in Connection with the Establishment of the
Department of Homeland Security (January 23, 2003). In exercising these
authorities, CSAs make every effort to facilitate reciprocity, avoid
duplication of regulatory requirements, and facilitate uniform
standards.
Sec. 2004.4 Definitions that apply to this part.
(a) Access is the ability or opportunity to gain knowledge of
classified information.
(b) Agency(ies) are any ``Executive agency'' as defined in 5 U.S.C.
105; any ``Military department'' as defined in 5 U.S.C. 102; and any
other entity within the executive branch that releases classified
information to private sector entities. This includes component
agencies under another agency or under a cross-agency oversight office
(such as ODNI with CIA), which are also agencies for purposes of this
regulation.
(c) Classified Critical Infrastructure Protection Program (CCIPP)
is the DHS program that executes the classified infrastructure
protection program designated by E.O. 13691, ``Promoting Private Sector
Cybersecurity Information Sharing.'' The Government uses this program
to share classified cybersecurity-related information with employees of
private sector entities that own or operate critical infrastructure.
Critical infrastructure refers to systems and assets, whether physical
or virtual, so vital to the United States that incapacitating or
destroying such systems and assets would have a debilitating impact on
security, national economic security, national public health or safety,
or any combination thereof. These entities include banks and power
plants, among others. The sectors of critical infrastructure are listed
in Presidential Policy Directive 21, Critical Infrastructure Security
and Resilience (February 12, 2013).
(d) Classified Critical Infrastructure Protection Program (CCIPP)
security point of contact (security POC) is an official whom a CCIPP
entity designates to maintain eligibility information about the entity
and its cleared employees, and to report that information to DHS. The
CCIPP security POC must be eligible for access to classified
information.
(e) Classified information is information the Government designates
as requiring protection against unauthorized disclosure in the interest
of national security, pursuant to E.O. 13526, Classified National
Security Information, or any predecessor order, and the Atomic Energy
Act of 1954, as amended. Classified information includes national
security information (NSI), restricted data (RD), and formerly
restricted data (FRD), regardless of its physical form or
characteristics (including tangible items other than documents).
(f) Cognizance is the area over which a CSA has operational
oversight. Normally, a statute or executive order establishes a CSA's
cognizance over certain types of information, programs, or non-CSA
agencies, although CSAs may also have cognizance through an agreement
with another CSA or non-CSA agency or an entity. A CSA may have
cognizance over a particular type(s) of classified information based on
specific authorities (such as those listed in Sec. 2004.1(c)), and a
CSA may have cognizance over certain agencies or cross-agency programs
(such as DoD's cognizance over non-CSA agencies as the EA for NISP, or
ODNI's oversight (if applicable) of all intelligence community elements
within the executive branch). Entities fall under a CSA's cognizance
when they enter or compete to enter contracts or agreements to access
classified
[[Page 19953]]
information under the CSA's cognizance, including when they enter or
compete to enter such contracts or agreements with a non-CSA agency or
another entity under the CSA's cognizance.
(g) Cognizant security agencies (CSAs) are the agencies E.O. 12829,
sec. 202, designates as having NISP implementation and security
responsibilities for their own agencies (including component agencies)
and any entities and non-CSA agencies under their cognizance. The CSAs
are: Department of Defense (DoD); Department of Energy (DOE); Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC); Office of the Director of National
Intelligence (ODNI); and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
(h) Cognizant security office (CSO) is an organizational unit to
which the head of a CSA delegates authority to administer industrial
security services on behalf of the CSA.
(i) Contracts or agreements are any type of arrangement between an
agency and an entity or an agency and another agency. They include, but
are not limited to, contracts, sub-contracts, licenses, certificates,
memoranda of understanding, inter-agency service agreements, other
types of documents or arrangements setting out responsibilities,
requirements, or terms agreed upon by the parties, programs, projects,
and other legitimate U.S. or foreign government requirements. FOCI
mitigation or negation measures, such as Voting Trust Agreements, that
have the word ``agreement'' in their title are not included in the term
``agreements'' within this part.
(j) Controlling agency is an agency that owns or controls the
following categories of proscribed information and thus has authority
over access to or release of the information: NSA for communications
security information (COMSEC); DOE for restricted data (RD); and ODNI
for sensitive compartmented information (SCI).
(k) Entity is a generic and comprehensive term which may include
sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, limited liability
companies, societies, associations, institutions, contractors,
licensees, grantees, certificate holders, and other organizations
usually established and operating to carry out a commercial,
industrial, educational, or other legitimate business, enterprise, or
undertaking, or parts of these organizations. It may reference an
entire organization, a prime contractor, parent organization, a branch
or division, another type of sub-element, a sub-contractor, subsidiary,
or other subordinate or connected entity (referred to as ``sub-
entities'' when necessary to distinguish such entities from prime or
parent entities), a specific location or facility, or the headquarters/
official business location of the organization, depending upon the
organization's business structure, the access needs involved, and the
responsible CSA's procedures. The term ``entity'' as used in this part
refers to the particular entity to which an agency might release, or is
releasing, classified information, whether that entity is a parent or
subordinate organization.
(l) Entity eligibility determination is an assessment by the CSA as
to whether an entity is eligible for access to classified information
of a certain level (and all lower levels). Eligibility determinations
may be broad or limited to specific contracts, sponsoring agencies, or
circumstances. A favorable determination results in eligibility to
access classified information under the cognizance of the responsible
CSA to the level approved. When the entity would be accessing
categories of information such as RD or SCI for which the CSA for that
information has set additional requirements, CSAs must also assess
whether the entity is eligible for access to that category. Some CSAs
refer to their favorable determinations as facility security clearances
(FCL). A favorable entity eligibility determination does not convey
authority to store classified information.
(m) Foreign interest is any foreign government, element of a
foreign government, or representative of a foreign government; any form
of business enterprise or legal entity organized, chartered, or
incorporated under the laws of any country other than the United States
or its territories; and any person who is not a United States citizen
or national.
(n) Government contracting activity (GCA) is an agency component or
subcomponent to which the agency head delegates broad authority
regarding acquisition functions. A foreign government may also be a
GCA.
(o) Industrial security services are those activities performed by
a CSA to verify that an entity is protecting classified information.
They include, but are not limited to, conducting oversight reviews,
making eligibility determinations, and providing agency and entity
guidance and training.
(p) Insider(s) are entity employees who are eligible to access
classified information and may be authorized access to any U.S.
Government or entity resource (such as personnel, facilities,
information, equipment, networks, or systems).
(q) Insider threat is the likelihood, risk, or potential that an
insider will use his or her authorized access, wittingly or
unwittingly, to do harm to the national security of the United States.
Insider threats may include harm to entity or program information to
the extent that the information impacts the entity's or agency's
obligations to protect classified information.
(r) Insider threat response action(s) are actions (such as
investigations) an agency takes to ascertain whether an insider threat
exists, and actions the agency takes to mitigate the threat. Agencies
may conduct insider threat response actions through their
counterintelligence (CI), security, law enforcement, or inspector
general organizations, depending on the statutory authority and
internal policies that govern the agency.
(s) Insider threat program senior official (SO) is the official an
agency head or entity designates with responsibility to manage, account
for, and oversee the agency's or entity's insider threat program,
pursuant to the National Insider Threat Policy and Minimum Standards.
An agency may have more than one insider threat program SO.
(t) Key managers and officials (KMO) are the senior management
official (or authorized executive official under CCIPP), the entity's
security officer (or security POC under CCIPP), the insider threat
program senior official, and other entity employees whom the
responsible CSA identifies as having authority, direct or indirect, to
influence or decide matters affecting the entity's management or
operations, its contracts requiring access to classified information,
or national security interests. They may include individuals who hold
majority ownership interest in the entity (in the form of stock or
other ownership interests).
(u) Proscribed information is information that is classified as top
secret (TS) information; communications security (COMSEC) information
(excluding controlled cryptographic items when un-keyed or utilized
with unclassified keys); restricted data (RD); special access program
information (SAP); or sensitive compartmented information (SCI).
(v) Security officer is a U.S. citizen employee the entity
designates to supervise and direct security measures implementing
NISPOM (or equivalent; such as DOE Orders) requirements. Some CSAs
refer to this position as a facility security officer (FSO). The
security officer must complete security training specified by the
responsible CSA, and must have and maintain an
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employee eligibility determination level that is at least the same
level as the entity's eligibility determination level.
(w) Senior agency official for NISP (SAO for NISP) is the official
an agency head designates to direct and administer the agency's
National Industrial Security Program.
(x) Senior management official (SMO) is the person in charge of an
entity. Under the CCIPP, this is the authorized executive official with
authority to sign the security agreement with DHS.
(y) Sub-entity is an entity's branch or division, another type of
sub-element, a sub-contractor, subsidiary, or other subordinate or
connected entity. Sub-entities fall under the definition of ``entity,''
but this part refers to them as sub-entities when necessary to
distinguish such entities from prime contractor or parent entities. See
definition of ``entity'' in paragraph (k) of this section for more
context.
Sec. 2004.10 Responsibilities of the Director, Information Security
Oversight Office (ISOO).
The Director, ISOO:
(a) Implements E.O. 12829, including ensuring that:
(1) The NISP operates as a single, integrated program across the
executive branch of the Federal Government (i.e., such that agencies
that release classified information to entities adhere to NISP
principles);
(2) A responsible CSA oversees each entity's NISP implementation in
accordance with Sec. 2004.22;
(3) All agencies that contract for classified work include the
Security Requirements clause, 48 CFR 52.204-2, from the Federal
Acquisition Regulation (FAR), or an equivalent clause, in contracts
that require access to classified information;
(4) Those agencies for which the Department of Defense (DoD) serves
as the CSA or provides industrial security services have agreements
with DoD defining the Secretary of Defense's responsibilities on behalf
of their agency;
(5) Each CSA issues directions to entities under their cognizance
that are consistent with the NISPOM insider threat guidance;
(6) CSAs share with each other, as lawful and appropriate, relevant
information about entity employees that indicates an insider threat;
and
(7) CSAs conduct ongoing analysis and adjudication of adverse or
relevant information about entity employees that indicates an insider
threat.
(b) Raises an issue to the National Security Council (NSC) for
resolution if the EA's NISPOM coordination process cannot reach a
consensus on NISPOM security standards (see Sec. 2004.20(d)).
Sec. 2004.11 CSA and agency implementing regulations, internal
rules, or guidelines.
(a) Each CSA implements NISP practices in part through policies and
guidelines that are consistent with this regulation, so that agencies
for which it serves as the CSA are aware of appropriate security
standards, engage in consistent practices with entities, and so that
practices effectively protect classified information those entities
receive (including foreign government information that the U.S.
Government must protect in the interest of national security).
(b) Each CSA must also routinely review and update its NISP
policies and guidelines and promptly issue revisions when needed
(including when a change in national policy necessitates a change in
agency NISP policies and guidelines).
(c) Non-CSA agencies may choose to augment CSA NISP policies or
guidelines as long as the agency policies or guidelines are consistent
with the CSA's policies or guidelines and this regulation.
Sec. 2004.12 ISOO review of agency NISP implementation.
(a) ISOO fulfills its oversight role based, in part, on information
received from NISP Policy Advisory Committee (NISPPAC) members, from
on-site reviews that ISOO conducts under the authority of E.O. 12829,
and from any submitted complaints and suggestions. ISOO reports
findings to the responsible CSA or agency.
(b) ISOO reviews agency policies and guidelines to ensure
consistency with NISP policies and procedures. ISOO may conduct reviews
during routine oversight visits, when a problem or potential problem
comes to ISOO's attention, or after a change in national policy that
impacts agency policies and guidelines. ISOO provides the responsible
agency with findings from these reviews.
Subpart B--Administration
Sec. 2004.20 National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent
and Operating Manual.
(a) The executive agent (EA) for NISP is the Secretary of Defense.
The EA:
(1) Provides industrial security services for agencies that are not
CSAs but that release classified information to entities. The EA
provides industrial security services only through an agreement with
the agency. Non-CSA agencies must enter an agreement with the EA and
comply with EA industrial security service processes before releasing
classified information to an entity;
(2) Provides services for other CSAs by agreement; and
(3) Issues and maintains the National Industrial Security Program
Operating Manual (NISPOM) in consultation with all affected agencies
and with the concurrence of the other CSAs.
(b) The NISPOM sets out the procedures and standards that entities
must follow during all phases of the contracting process to safeguard
any classified information an agency releases to an entity. The NISPOM
requirements may apply to the entity directly (i.e., through FAR
clauses or other contract clauses referring entities to the NISPOM) or
through equivalent contract clauses or requirements documents that are
consistent with NISPOM requirements.
(c) The EA, in consultation with all affected agencies and with the
concurrence of the other CSAs, develops the requirements, restrictions,
and safeguards contained in the NISPOM. The EA uses security standards
applicable to agencies as the basis for developing NISPOM entity
standards to the extent practicable and reasonable.
(d) The EA also facilitates the NISPOM coordination process, which
addresses issues raised by entities, agencies, ISOO, or the NISPPAC,
including requests to create or change NISPOM security standards.
Sec. 2004.22 Agency responsibilities.
(a) Agency categories and general areas of responsibility. Federal
agencies fall into three categories for the purpose of NISP
responsibilities:
(1) CSAs. CSAs are responsible for carrying out NISP implementation
within their agency, for providing NISP industrial security services on
behalf of non-CSA agencies by agreement when authorized, and for
overseeing NISP compliance by entities that access classified
information under the CSA's cognizance. When the CSA has oversight
responsibilities for a particular non-CSA agency or for an entity, the
CSA also functions as the responsible CSA;
(2) Non-CSA agencies. Non-CSA agencies are responsible for entering
agreements with a designated CSA for industrial security services, and
are responsible for carrying out NISP implementation within their
agency consistently with the agreement, the CSA's guidelines and
procedures, and this regulation; or
(3) Agencies that are components of another agency. Component
agencies do not have itemized responsibilities under this regulation
and do not
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independently need to enter agreements with a CSA, but they follow, and
may have responsibilities under, implementing guidelines and procedures
established by their CSA or non-CSA agency, or both.
(b) Responsible CSA role. (1) The responsible CSA is the CSA (or
its delegated CSO) that provides NISP industrial security services on
behalf of an agency, determines an entity's eligibility for access, and
monitors and inspects an entity's NISP implementation.
(2) In general, the goal is to have one responsible CSA for each
agency and for each entity, to minimize the burdens that can result
from complying with differing CSA procedures and requirements.
(i) With regard to agencies, NISP accomplishes this goal by a
combination of designated CSAs and agreements between agencies and
CSAs.
(ii) With regard to entities, CSAs strive to reduce the number of
responsible CSAs for a given entity as much as possible. To this end,
when more than one CSA releases classified information to a given
entity, those CSAs agree on which is the responsible CSA. However, due
to certain unique agency authorities, there may be circumstances in
which a given entity is under the oversight of more than one
responsible CSA.
(3) Responsible CSA for agencies:
(i) In general, each CSA serves as the responsible CSA for
classified information that it (or any of its component agencies)
releases to entities, unless it enters an agreement otherwise with
another CSA.
(ii) DoD serves as the responsible CSA for DHS with the exception
of the CCIPP, based on an agreement between the two CSAs.
(iii) DoD serves as the responsible CSA on behalf of all non-CSA
agencies, except CSA components, based on E.O. 12829 and its role as
NISP EA.
(iv) ODNI serves as the responsible CSA for CIA.
(4) Responsible CSA for entities: When determining the responsible
CSA for a given entity, the involved CSAs consider, at a minimum:
retained authorities, the information's classification level, number of
contracts requiring access to classified information, location, number
of Government customers, volume of classified activity, safeguarding
requirements, responsibility for entity employee eligibility
determinations, and any special requirements.
(5) Responsible CSAs may delegate oversight responsibility to a
cognizant security office (CSO) through CSA policy or by written
delegation. The CSA must inform entities under its cognizance if it
delegates responsibilities. For purposes of this rule, the term CSA
also refers to the CSO.
(c) CSA responsibilities. (1) The CSA may perform GCA
responsibilities as its own GCA.
(2) As CSA, the CSA performs or delegates the following
responsibilities:
(i) Designates a CSA senior agency official (SAO) for NISP;
(ii) Identifies the insider threat program senior official (SO) to
the Director, ISOO;
(iii) Shares insider threat information with other CSAs, as lawful
and appropriate, including information that indicates an insider threat
about entity employees eligible to access classified information;
(iv) Acts upon and shares--with security management, GCAs, insider
threat program employees, and Government program and CI officials--any
relevant entity-reported information about security or CI concerns, as
appropriate;
(v) Submits reports to ISOO as required by this part; and
(vi) Develops, coordinates, and provides concurrence on changes to
the NISPOM when requested by the EA.
(3) As a responsible CSA, the CSA also performs or delegates the
following responsibilities:
(i) Determines whether an entity is eligible for access to
classified information (see Sec. 2004.32);
(ii) Allocates funds, ensures appropriate investigations are
conducted, and determines entity employee eligibility for access to
classified information (see Sec. 2004.36);
(iii) Reviews and approves entity safeguarding measures, including
making safeguarding capability determinations (see Sec. 2004.38);
(iv) Conducts periodic security reviews of entity operations (see
Sec. 2004.26) to determine that entities: effectively protect
classified information provided to them; and follow NISPOM (or
equivalent) requirements;
(v) Provides and regularly updates guidance, training, training
materials, and briefings to entities on:
(A) Entity implementation of NISPOM (or equivalent) requirements,
including: responsibility for protecting classified information,
requesting NISPOM interpretations, establishing training programs, and
submitting required reports;
(B) Initial security briefings and other briefings required for
special categories of information;
(C) Authorization measures for information systems processing
classified information (except DHS) (see Sec. 2004.40);
(D) Security training for security officers (or CCIPP POCs) and
other employees whose official duties include performing NISP-related
functions;
(E) Insider threat programs in accordance with the National Insider
Threat Policy and Minimum Standards for Executive Branch Insider Threat
Programs; and
(F) Other guidance and training as appropriate;
(vi) Establishes a mechanism for entities to submit requests for
waivers to NISPOM (or equivalent) provisions;
(vii) Reviews, continuously analyzes, and adjudicates, as
appropriate, reports from entities regarding events that:
(A) Impact the status of the entity's eligibility for access to
classisfied information;
(B) Impact an employee's eligibility for access;
(C) May indicate an employee poses an insider threat;
(D) Affect proper safeguarding of classified information; or
(E) Indicate that classified information has been lost or
compromised;
(viii) Verifies that reports offered in confidence and so marked by
an entity may be withheld from public disclosure under applicable
exemptions of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552);
(ix) Requests any additional information needed from an entity
about involved employees to determine continued eligibility for access
to classified information when the entity reports loss, possible
compromise, or unauthorized disclosure of classified information; and
(x) Posts hotline information on its website for entity access, or
otherwise disseminates contact numbers to the entities for which the
CSA is responsible.
(d) Non-CSA agency head responsibilities. The head of a non-CSA
agency that is not a CSA component and that releases classified
information to entities, performs the following responsibilities:
(1) Designates an SAO for the NISP;
(2) Identifies the insider threat program SO to ISOO to facilitate
information sharing;
(3) Enters into an agreement with the EA (except agencies that are
components of another agency or a cross-agency oversight office) to act
as the responsible CSA on the agency's behalf (see paragraph (a)(1)(ii)
of this section);
(4) Performs, or delegates in writing to a GCA, the following
responsibilities:
[[Page 19956]]
(i) Provides appropriate education and training to agency personnel
who implement the NISP;
(ii) Includes FAR security requirements clause 52.204-2, or
equivalent (such as the DEAR clause 952.204-2), and a contract security
classification specification (or equivalent guidance) into contracts
and solicitations that require access to classified information (see
Sec. 2004.30); and
(iii) Reports to the appropriate CSA adverse information and
insider threat activity pertaining to entity employees having access to
classified information.
Sec. 2004.24 Insider threat program.
(a) Responsible CSAs oversee and analyze entity activity to ensure
entities implement an insider threat program in accordance with the
National Insider Threat Policy and Minimum Standards for Executive
Branch Insider Threat Programs (via requirements in the NISPOM or its
equivalent) and guidance from the CSA. CSA oversight responsibilities
include, but are not limited to:
(1) Verifying that entities appoint insider threat program SOs;
(2) Requiring entities to monitor, report, and review insider
threat program activities and response actions in accordance with the
provisions set forth in the NISPOM (or equivalent);
(3) Providing entities with access to data relevant to insider
threat program activities and applicable reporting requirements and
procedures;
(4) Providing entities with a designated means to report insider
threat-related activity; and
(5) Advising entities on appropriate insider threat training for
entity employees eligible for access to classified information.
(b) CSAs share with other CSAs any insider threat information
reported to them by entities, as lawful and appropriate.
Sec. 2004.26 Reviews of entity NISP implementation.
(a) The responsible CSA conducts recurring oversight reviews of
entities' NISP security programs to verify that the entity is
protecting classified information and is implementing the provisions of
the NISPOM (or equivalent). The CSA determines the scope and frequency
of reviews. The CSA generally notifies entities when a review will take
place, but may also conduct unannounced reviews at its discretion.
(b) CSAs make every effort to avoid unnecessarily intruding into
entity employee personal effects during the reviews.
(c) A CSA may, on entity premises, physically examine the interior
spaces of containers not authorized to store classified information in
the presence of the entity's representative.
(d) As part of a security review, the CSA:
(1) Verifies that the entity limits entity employees with access to
classified information to the minimum number necessary to perform on
contracts requiring access to classified information.
(2) Validates that the entity has not provided its employees
unauthorized access to classified information;
(3) Reviews the entity's self-inspection program and evaluates and
records the entity's remedial actions; and
(4) Verifies that the GCA approved any public release of
information pertaining to a contract requiring access to classified
information.
(e) As a result of findings during the security review, the CSA
may, as appropriate, notify:
(1) GCAs if there are unfavorable results from the review; and
(2) A prime entity if the CSA discovers unsatisfactory security
conditions pertaining to a sub-entity.
(f) The CSA maintains a record of reviews it conducts and the
results. Based on review results, the responsible CSA determines
whether an entity's eligibility for access to classified information
may continue. See Sec. 2004.32(g).
Sec. 2004.28 Cost reports.
(a) Agencies must annually report to the Director, ISOO, on their
NISP implementation costs for the previous year.
(b) CSAs must annually collect information on NISP implementation
costs incurred by entities under their cognizance and submit a report
to the Director, ISOO.
Subpart C--Operations
Sec. 2004.30 Security classification requirements and guidance.
(a) Contract or agreement and solicition requirements. (1) The GCA
must incorporate FAR clause 52.204-2, Security Requirements (or
equivalent set of security requirements), into contracts or agreements
and solicitations requiring access to classified information.
(2) The GCA must also include a contract security classification
specification (or equivalent guidance) with each contract or agreement
and solicitation that requires access to classified information. The
contract security classification specification (or equivalent guidance)
must identify the specific elements of classified information involved
in each phase of the contract or agreement life-cycle, such as:
(i) Level of classification;
(ii) Where the entity will access or store the classified
information, and any requirements or limitations on transmitting
classified information outside the entity;
(iii) Any special accesses;
(iv) Any classification guides or other guidance the entity needs
to perform during that phase of the contract or agreement;
(v) Any authorization to disclose information about the contract or
agreement requiring access to classified information; and
(vi) GCA personnel responsible for interpreting and applying the
contract security specifications (or equivalent guidance).
(3) The GCA revises the contract security classification
specification (or equivalent guidance) throughout the contract or
agreement life-cycle as security requirements change.
(b) Guidance. Classification guidance is the exclusive
responsibility of the GCA. The GCA prepares classification guidance in
accordance with 32 CFR 2001.15, and provides appropriate security
classification and declassification guidance to entities.
(c) Requests for clarification and classification challenges. (1)
The GCA responds to entity requests for clarification and
classification challenges.
(2) The responsible CSA assists entities to obtain appropriate
classification guidance from the GCA, and to obtain a classification
challenge response from the GCA.
(d) Instructions upon contract or agreement completion or
termination. (1) The GCA provides instructions to the entity for
returning or disposing of classified information upon contract or
agreement completion or termination, or when an entity no longer has a
legitimate need to retain or possess classified information.
(2) The GCA also determines whether the entity may retain
classified information for particular purposes after the contract or
agreement terminates, and if so, provides written authorization to the
entity along with any instructions or limitations (such as which
information, for how long, etc).
Sec. 2004.32 Determining entity eligibility for access to classified
information.
(a) Eligibility determinations. (1) The responsible CSA determines
whether an
[[Page 19957]]
entity is eligible for access to classified information. An entity may
not have access to classified information until the responsible CSA
determines that it meets all the requirements in this section. In
general, the entity must be eligible to access classified information
at the appropriate level before the CSA may consider any of the
entity's subsidiaries, sub-contractors, or other sub-entities for
eligibility. However, when the subsidiary will perform all classified
work, the CSA may instead exclude the parent entity from access to
classified information rather than determining its eligibility. In
either case, the CSA must consider all information relevant to
assessing whether the entity's access poses an unacceptable risk to
national security interests.
(2) A favorable access eligibility determination is not the same as
a safeguarding capability determination. Entities may access classified
information with a favorable eligibility determination, but may possess
classified information only if the CSA determines both access
eligibility and safeguarding capability, based on the GCA's requirement
in the contract security classification specification (or equivalent).
(3) If an entity has an existing eligibility determination, a CSA
will not duplicate eligibility determination processes performed by
another CSA. If a CSA cannot acknowledge an entity eligibility
determination to another CSA, that entity may be subject to duplicate
processing.
(4) Each CSA maintains a record of its entities' eligibility
determinations (or critical infrastructure entity eligibility status
under the CCIPP, for DHS) and responds to inquiries from GCAs or
entities, as appropriate and to the extent authorized by law, regarding
the eligibility status of entities under their cognizance.
(b) Process. (1) The responsible CSA provides guidance to entities
on the eligibility determination process and on how to maintain
eligibility throughout the period of the agreement or as long as an
entity continues to need access to classified information in connection
with a legitimate U.S. or foreign government requirement.
(2) The CSA coordinates with appropriate authorities to determine
whether an entity meets the eligibility criteria in paragraph (e) of
this section. This includes coordinating with appropriate U.S.
Government regulatory authorities to determine entity compliance with
laws and regulations.
(3) An entity cannot apply for its own eligibility determination. A
GCA or an eligible entity must sponsor the entity to the responsible
CSA for an eligibility determination. The GCA or eligible entity may
sponsor an entity at any point during the contracting or agreement
life-cycle at which the entity must have access to classified
information to participate (including the solicitation or competition
phase). An entity with limited eligibility granted under paragraph (f)
of this section may sponsor a sub-entity for a limited eligibility
determination for the same contract, agreement, or circumstance so long
as the sponsoring entity is not under FOCI (see Sec. 2004.34(i)).
(4) The GCA must include enough lead time in each phase of the
acquisition or agreement cycle to accomplish all required security
actions. Required security actions include any eligibility
determination necessary for an entity to participate in that phase of
the cycle. The GCA may award a contract or agreement before the CSA
completes the entity eligibility determination. However, in such cases,
the entity may not begin performance on portions of the contract or
agreement that require access to classified information until the CSA
makes a favorable entity eligibility determination.
(5) When a CSA is unable to make an eligibility determination in
sufficient time to qualify an entity to participate in the particular
procurement action or phase that gave rise to the GCA request (this
includes both solicitation and performance phases), the GCA may request
that the CSA continue the determination process to qualify the entity
for future classified work for any GCA, provided that the processing
delay was not due to the entity's lack of cooperation. Once the CSA
determines that an entity is eligible for access to classified
information, but a GCA does not award a contract or agreement requiring
access to classified information to the entity, or the entity's
eligibility status changes, the CSA terminates the entity eligibility
determination in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section.
(c) Coverage. (1) A favorable eligibility determination allows an
entity to access classified information at the determined eligibility
level, or lower.
(2) The CSA must ensure that all entities needing access to
classified information as part of a legitimate U.S. or foreign
government requirement have or receive a favorable eligibility
determination before accessing classified information. This includes
both prime or parent entities and sub-entities, even in cases in which
an entity intends to have the classified work performed only by sub-
entities. A prime or parent entity must have a favorable eligibility
determination at the same classification level or higher than its sub-
entity(ies), unless the CSA determined that the parent entity could be
effectively excluded from access (see paragraph (a)(1) of this
section).
(3) If a parent and sub-entity need to share classified information
with each other, the CSA must validate that both the parent and the
sub-entity have favorable eligibility determinations at the level
required for the classified information prior to sharing the
information.
(d) DHS Classified Critical Infrastructure Protection Program
(CCIPP). DHS shares classified cybersecurity information with certain
employees of entities under the Classified Critical Infrastructure
Protection Program (CCIPP). The CCIPP applies only to entities that do
not need to store classified information, have no other contracts or
agreements already requiring access to classified information, and are
not already determined eligible for access to classified information.
DHS establishes and implements procedures consistent with the NISP to
determine CCIPP entity eligibility for access to classified
information.
(e) Eligibility criteria. An entity must meet the following
requirements to be eligible to access classified information:
(1) It must need to access classified information as part of a
legitimate U.S. Government or foreign government requirement, and
access must be consistent with U.S. national security interests as
determined by the CSA;
(2) It must be organized and existing under the laws of any of the
50 States, the District of Columbia, or an organized U.S. territory
(Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands); or an American Indian or
Alaska native tribe formally acknowledged by the Assistant Secretary--
Indian Affairs, of the U.S. Department of the Interior;
(3) It must be located in the United States or its territorial
areas;
(4) It must have a record of compliance with pertinent laws,
regulations, and contracts (or other relevant agreements);
(5) Its KMOs must each have and maintain eligibility for access to
classified information that is at least the same level as the entity
eligibility level;
(6) It and all of its KMOs must not be excluded by a Federal
agency, contract review board, or other authorized official from
participating in Federal contracts or agreements;
[[Page 19958]]
(7) It must meet all requirements the CSA or the authorizing law,
regulation, or Government-wide policy establishes for access to the
type of classified information or program involved; and
(8) If the CSA determines the entity is under foreign ownership,
control, or influence (FOCI), the responsible CSA must:
(i) Agree that sufficient security measures are in place to
mitigate or negate risk to national security interests due to the FOCI
(see Sec. 2004.34);
(ii) Determine that it is appropriate to grant eligibility for a
single, narrowly defined purpose (see Sec. 2004.34(i)); or
(iii) Determine that the entity is not eligible to access
classified information.
(9) DoD and DOE cannot award a contract involving access to
proscribed information to an entity effectively owned or controlled by
a foreign government unless the Secretary of the agency first issues a
waiver (see 10 U.S.C. 2536). A waiver is not required if the CSA
determines the entity is eligible and it agrees to establish a voting
trust agreement (VTA) or proxy agreement (PA) (see Sec. 2004.34(f))
because both VTAs and PAs effectively negate foreign government
control.
(f) Limited entity eligibility determination. CSAs may choose to
allow GCAs to request limited entity eligibility determinations (this
is not the same as limited entity eligibility in situations involving
FOCI when the FOCI is not mitigated or negated; for more information on
limited entity eligibility in such FOCI cases, see Sec. 2004.34(i)).
If a CSA permits GCAs to request a limited entity eligibility
determination, it must set out parameters within its implementing
policies that are consistent with the following requirements:
(1) The GCA, or an entity with limited eligibility, must first
request a limited entity eligibility determination from the CSA for the
relevant entity and provide justification for limiting eligibility in
that case;
(2) Limited entity eligibility is specific to the requesting GCA's
classified information, and to a single, narrowly defined contract,
agreement, or circumstance;
(3) The entity must otherwise meet the requirements for entity
eligibility set out in this part;
(4) The CSA documents the requirements of each limited entity
eligibility determination it makes, including the scope of, and any
limitations on, access to classified information;
(5) The CSA verifies limited entity eligibility determinations only
to the requesting GCA or entity. In the case of multiple limited entity
eligibility determinations for a single entity, the CSA verifies each
one separately only to its requestor; and
(6) CSAs administratively terminate the limited entity eligibility
when there is no longer a need for access to the classified information
for which the CSA approved the limited entity eligibility.
(g) Terminating or revoking eligibility. (1) The responsible CSA
terminates the entity's eligible status when the entity no longer has a
need for access to classified information.
(2) The responsible CSA revokes the entity's eligible status if the
entity is unable or unwilling to protect classified information.
(3) The CSA coordinates with the GCA(s) to take interim measures,
as necessary, toward either termination or revocation.
Sec. 2004.34 Foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI).
(a) FOCI determination. A U.S. entity is under foreign ownership,
control, or influence (FOCI) when:
(1) A foreign interest has the power to direct or decide matters
affecting the entity's management or operations in a manner that could:
(i) Result in unauthorized access to classified information; or
(ii) Adversely affect performance of a contract or agreement
requiring access to classified information; and
(2) The foreign interest exercises that power:
(i) Directly or indirectly;
(ii) Through ownership of the U.S. entity's securities, by
contractual arrangements, or other similar means;
(iii) By the ability to control or influence the election or
appointment of one or more members to the entity's governing board
(e.g., board of directors, board of managers, board of trustees) or its
equivalent; or
(iv) Prospectively (i.e., is not currently exercising the power,
but could).
(b) CSA guidance. The CSA establishes guidance for entities on
filling out and submitting a Standard Form (SF) 328, Certificate
Pertaining to Foreign Interests (OMB Control No. 0704-0194), and on
reporting changes in circumstances that might result in a determination
that the entity is under FOCI or is no longer under FOCI. The CSA also
advises entities on the Government appeal channels for disputing CSA
FOCI determinations.
(c) FOCI factors. To determine whether an entity is under FOCI, the
CSA analyzes available information to determine the existence, nature,
and source of FOCI. The CSA:
(1) Considers information the entity or its parent provides on the
SF 328/CF 328 (OMB Control No. 0704-0194), and any other relevant
information; and
(2) Considers in the aggregate the following factors about the
entity:
(i) Record of espionage against U.S. targets, either economic or
Government;
(ii) Record of enforcement actions against the entity for
transferring technology without authorization;
(iii) Record of compliance with pertinent U.S. laws, regulations,
and contracts or agreements;
(iv) Type and sensitivity of the information the entity would
access;
(v) Source, nature, and extent of FOCI, including whether foreign
interests hold a majority or minority position in the entity, taking
into consideration the immediate, intermediate, and ultimate parent
entities;
(vi) Nature of any relevant bilateral and multilateral security and
information exchange agreements;
(vii) Ownership or control, in whole or in part, by a foreign
government; and
(viii) Any other factor that indicates or demonstrates foreign
interest capability to control or influence the entity's operations or
management.
(d) Entity access while under FOCI. (1) If the CSA is determining
whether an entity is eligible to access classified information and
finds that the entity is under FOCI, the CSA must consider the entity
ineligible for access to classified information. The CSA and the entity
may then attempt to negotiate FOCI mitigation or negation measures
sufficient to permit a favorable eligibility determination.
(2) The CSA may not determine that the entity is eligible to access
classified information until the entity has put into place appropriate
security measures to negate or mitigate FOCI or is otherwise no longer
under FOCI. If the degree of FOCI is such that no mitigation or
negation efforts will be sufficient, or access to classified
information would be inconsistent with national security interests,
then the CSA will determine the entity ineligible for access to
classified information.
(3) If an entity comes under FOCI, the CSA may allow the existing
eligibility status to continue while the CSA and the entity negotiate
acceptable FOCI mitigation or negation measures, as long as there is no
indication that classified information is at risk. If the entity does
not actively negotiate mitigation or negation measures in good faith,
or there are no appropriate measures that will remove the possibility
of unauthorized access to classified information or adverse effect on
the entity's performance of contracts or
[[Page 19959]]
agreements involving classified information, the CSA will take steps,
in coordination with the GCA, to terminate eligibility.
(e) FOCI and entities under the CCIPP. DHS may sponsor, as part of
the CCIPP, a U.S. entity that is under FOCI, under the following
circumstances:
(1) The Secretary of DHS proposes appropriate FOCI risk mitigation
or negation measures (see paragraph (f) of this section) to the other
CSAs and ensures the anticipated release of classified information:
(i) Is authorized for release to the country involved;
(ii) Does not include information classified under the Atomic
Energy Act; and
(iii) Does not impede or interfere with the entity's ability to
manage and comply with regulatory requirements imposed by other Federal
agencies, such as the State Department's International Traffic in Arms
Regulation.
(2) If the CSAs agree the mitigation or negation measures are
sufficient, DHS may proceed to enter a CCIPP information sharing
agreement with the entity. If one or more CSAs disagree, the Secretary
of DHS may seek a decision from the Assistant to the President for
National Security Affairs before entering a CCIPP information sharing
agreement with the entity.
(f) Mitigation or negation measures to address FOCI. (1) The CSA-
approved mitigation or negation measures must assure that the entity
can offset FOCI by effectively denying unauthorized people or entities
access to classified information and preventing the foreign interest
from adversely impacting the entity's performance on contracts or
agreements requiring access to classified information.
(2) Any mitigation or negation measures the CSA approves for an
entity must not impede or interfere with the entity's ability to manage
and comply with regulatory requirements imposed by other Federal
agencies (such as Department of State's International Traffic in Arms
Regulation).
(3) If the CSA approves a FOCI mitigation or negation measure for
an entity, it may agree that the measure, or particular portions of it,
may apply to all of the present and future sub-entities within the
entity's organization.
(4) Mitigation or negation measures are different for ownership
versus control or influence.
(5) Methods to mitigate foreign control or influence (unrelated to
ownership) may include:
(i) Assigning specific oversight duties and responsibilities to
independent board members;
(ii) Formulating special executive-level security committees to
consider and oversee matters that affect entity performance on
contracts or agreements requiring access to classified information;
(iii) Modifying or terminating loan agreements, contracts,
agreements, and other understandings with foreign interests;
(iv) Diversifying or reducing foreign-source income;
(v) Demonstrating financial viability independent of foreign
interests;
(vi) Eliminating or resolving problem debt;
(vii) Separating, physically or organizationally, the entity
component performing on contracts or agreements requiring access to
classified information;
(viii) Adopting special board resolutions;
(ix) A combination of these methods, as determined by the CSA; or
(x) Other actions that effectively negate or mitigate foreign
control or influence.
(6) Methods to mitigate or negate foreign ownership include:
(i) Board resolutions. The CSA and the entity may agree to a board
resolution when a foreign interest does not own voting interests
sufficient to elect, or is otherwise not entitled to representation on,
the entity's governing board. The resolution must identify the foreign
shareholders and their representatives (if any), note the extent of
foreign ownership, certify that the foreign shareholders and their
representatives will not require, will not have, and can be effectively
excluded from, access to all classified information, and certify that
the entity will not permit the foreign shareholders and their
representatives to occupy positions that might enable them to influence
the entity's policies and practices, affecting its performance on
contracts or agreements requiring access to classified information.
(ii) Security control agreements (SCAs). The CSA and the entity may
agree to use an SCA when a foreign interest does not effectively own or
control an entity (i.e., the entity is under U.S. control), but the
foreign interest is entitled to representation on the entity's
governing board. At least one cleared U.S. citizen must serve as an
outside director on the entity's governing board.
(iii) Special security agreements (SSAs). The CSA and the entity
may agree to use an SSA when a foreign interest effectively owns or
controls an entity. The SSA preserves the foreign owner's right to be
represented on the entity's board or governing body with a direct voice
in the entity's business management, while denying the foreign owner
majority representation and unauthorized access to classified
information. When a GCA requires an entity to have access to proscribed
information, and the CSA proposes an SSA as the mitigation measure, the
CSA makes a national interest determination (NID) as part of
determining an entity's eligibility for access. See paragraph (h) of
this section for more information on NIDs.
(iv) Voting trust agreements (VTAs) or proxy agreements (PAs). The
CSA and the entity may agree to use one of these measures when a
foreign interest effectively owns or controls an entity. The VTA and PA
are arrangements that vest the voting rights of the foreign-owned stock
in cleared U.S. citizens approved by the CSA. Under the VTA, the
foreign owner transfers legal title in the entity to the trustees
approved by the CSA. Under the PA, the foreign owner conveys their
voting rights to proxy holders approved by the CSA. The entity must be
organized, structured, and financed to be capable of operating as a
viable business entity independently from the foreign owner. Both VTAs
and PAs can effectively negate foreign ownership and control;
therefore, neither imposes any restrictions on the entity's eligibility
to have access to classified information or to compete for contracts or
agreements requiring access to classified information, including those
involving proscribed information. Both VTAs and PAs can also
effectively negate foreign government control.
(v) Combinations of the measures in paragraphs (f)(6)(i) through
(iv) of this section or other similar measures that effectively
mitigate or negate the risks involved with foreign ownership. CSAs must
identify combination agreements in a way that distinguishes them from
other agreements (e.g., a combination SSA-proxy agreement cannot be
identified as either an SSA or a proxy agreement beause those names
would not distinguish the combination agreement from either of the
other types). CSAs must also coordinate terms in combination agreements
with the controlling agency prior to releasing proscribed information.
(g) Standards for FOCI mitigation or negation measures. The CSA
must include the following requirements as part of any FOCI mitigation
or negation measures, to ensure that entities implement necessary
security and governing controls:
(1) Annual certification and annual compliance reports by the
entity's governing board and the KMOs;
[[Page 19960]]
(2) The U.S. Government remedies in case the entity is not
adequately protecting classified information or not adhering to the
provisions of the mitigation or negation measure;
(3) Supplements to FOCI mitigation or negation measures as the CSA
deems necessary. In addition to the standard FOCI mitigation or
negation measure's requirements, the CSA may require more procedures
via a supplement, based upon the circumstances of an entity's
operations. The CSA may place these requirements in supplements to the
FOCI mitigation or negation measure to allow flexibility as
circumstances change without having to renegotiate the entire measure.
When making use of supplements, the CSA does not consider the FOCI
mitigation measure final until it approves the required supplements
(e.g., technology control plan, electronic communication plan); and
(4) For agreements to mitigate or negate ownership (PAs, VTAs,
SSAs, and SCAs), the following additional requirements apply:
(i) FOCI oversight. The CSA verifies that the entity establishes an
oversight body consisting of trustees, proxy holders or outside
directors, as applicable, and those officers or directors whom the CSA
determines are eligible for access to classified information (see Sec.
2004.36). The entity's security officer is the principal advisor to the
oversight body and attends their meetings. The oversight body:
(A) Maintains policies and procedures to safeguard classified
information in the entity's possession with no adverse impact on
performance of contracts or agreements requiring access to classified
information; and
(B) Verifies the entity is complying with the FOCI mitigation or
negation measure and related documents, contract security requirements
or equivalent, and the NISP;
(ii) Qualifications of trustees, proxy holders, and outside
directors. The CSA determines eligibility for access to classified
information for trustees, proxy holders, and outside directors at the
classification level of the entity's eligibility determination.
Trustees, proxy holders, and outside directors must meet the following
criteria:
(A) Be a U.S. citizen residing in the United States who can
exercise management prerogatives relating to their position in a way
that ensures that the foreign owner can be effectively insulated from
the entity or effectively separated from the entity's classified work;
(B) Be completely disinterested individuals with no prior
involvement with the entity, the entities with which it is affiliated,
or the foreign owner and its affiliates. Individuals who are serving as
trustees, proxy holders, or outside directors as part of a mitigation
measure for the entity are not considered to have prior involvement
solely by performing that role; and
(C) Be involved in no other circumstances that may affect an
individual's ability to serve effectively, such as the number of boards
on which the individual serves or the length of time serving on any
other boards;
(iii) Annual meeting. The CSA meets at least annually with the
oversight body to review the purpose and effectiveness of the FOCI
mitigation or negation agreement; establish a common understanding of
the operating requirements and their implementation; and provide
guidance on matters related to FOCI mitigation and industrial security.
These meetings include a CSA review of:
(A) Compliance with the approved FOCI mitigation or negation
measure;
(B) Problems regarding practical implementation of the mitigation
or negation measure; and
(C) Security controls, practices, or procedures and whether they
warrant adjustment; and
(iv) Annual certification. The CSA reviews the entity's annual
report; addresses, and resolves issues identified in the report; and
documents the results of this review and any follow-up actions.
(h) National interest determination (NID)--(1) Requirement for a
NID. (i) The CSA must determine whether allowing an entity access to
proscribed information under an SSA is consistent with national
security interests of the United States as part of making an entity
eligibility determination in cases in which:
(A) The GCA requires an entity to have access to proscribed
information;
(B) The entity is under FOCI; and
(C) The CSA proposes an SSA to mitigate the FOCI.
(ii) This determination is called a national interest determination
(NID). A favorable NID confirms that an entity's access to the
proscribed information under an SSA is consistent with national
security interests. If the CSA is unable to render a favorable NID, it
must consider other FOCI mitigation measures instead of an SSA or
reassess the entity's eligibility for access to classified information.
(2) NID process. (i) The CSA makes the NID for any categories of
proscribed information for which the entity requires access.
(ii) In cases in which any category of the proscribed information
is controlled by another agency (ODNI for SCI, DOE for RD, NSA for
COMSEC), the CSA asks that controlling agency to concur on the NID for
that category of information.
(iii) The CSA informs the GCA and the entity when the NID is
complete. In cases involving SCI, RD, or COMSEC, the CSA also informs
the GCA and the entity when a controlling agency concurs or non-concurs
on that agency's category of proscribed information. The entity may
begin accessing a category of proscribed information once the CSA
informs the GCA and the entity that the controlling agency concurs,
even if other categories of proscribed information are pending
concurrence.
(iv) An entity's access to SCI, RD, or COMSEC remains in effect so
long as the entity remains eligible for access to classified
information and the contract or agreement (or program or project) which
imposes the requirement for access to those categories of proscribed
information remains in effect, except under the following
circumstances:
(A) The CSA, GCA, or controlling agency becomes aware of adverse
information that impacts the entity eligibility determination;
(B) The CSA's threat assessment pertaining to the entity indicates
a risk to one of the categories of proscribed information;
(C) The CSA becomes aware of any material change regarding the
source, nature, and extent of FOCI; or
(D) The entity's record of NISP compliance, based on CSA reviews in
accordance with Sec. 2004.26, becomes less than satisfactory.
(v) Under any of these circumstances, the CSA determines whether an
entity may continue being eligible for access to classified
information, it must change the FOCI mitigation measure in order to
remain eligible, or the CSA must terminate or revoke access.
(3) Process for concurring or non-concurring on a NID. (i) Each
controlling agency tells the CSAs what information the controlling
agency requires to consider a NID. ODNI identifies the information it
requires to assess a NID for access to SCI, DOE identifies the
information it requires to assess a NID for access to RD, and NSA
identifies the information it requires to assess a NID for access to
COMSEC.
(ii) The CSA requests from the GCA justification for access, a
description of the proscribed information involved, and other
information the controlling agency requires to concur or non-concur on
the NID.
(iii) The CSA requests concurrence on the NID from the controlling
agency for the relevant category of proscribed information (ODNI for
SCI, DOE for RD,
[[Page 19961]]
NSA for COMSEC), and provides the information that controlling agency
identified.
(iv) The relevant controlling agency (ODNI for SCI, DOE for RD, NSA
for COMSEC) responds in writing to the CSA's request for concurrence.
(A) The controlling agency may concur with the NID for access under
a particular contract or agreement, access under a program or project,
or for all future access to the same category of proscribed
information.
(B) If the relevant controlling agency does not concur with the
NID, the controlling agency informs the CSA in writing, citing the
reasons why it does not concur. The CSA notifies the applicable GCA
and, in coordination with the GCA, then notifies the entity. The entity
cannot have access to the category of proscribed information under the
control of that agency (i.e., if ODNI does not concur, the entity may
not have access to SCI; if DOE does not concur, the entity may not have
access to RD; and if NSA does not concur, the entity may not have
access to COMSEC). The CSA, in consultation with the applicable GCA,
must decide whether the reason the controlling agency did not concur
otherwise affects the entity's eligibility for access to classified
information (see Sec. 2004.32(g)), or requires changing the FOCI
mitigation measure (see paragraph (f) of this section).
(v) When an entity is eligible for access to classified information
that includes a favorable NID for SCI, RD, or COMSEC, the CSA does not
have to request a new NID concurrence for the same entity if the access
requirements for the relevant category of proscribed information and
terms remain unchanged for:
(A) Renewing the contract or agreement;
(B) New task orders issued under the contract or agreement;
(C) A new contract or agreement that contains the same provisions
as the previous one (this usually applies when the contract or
agreement is for a program or project); or
(D) Renewing the SSA.
(vi) When making the decision whether or not to concur with a NID
for proscribed information under its control, the controlling agency
will not duplicate work already performed by the GCA during the
contract award process or by the CSA when determining entity
eligibility for access to classified information.
(4) Timing for concurrence process. (i) The CSA requests NID
concurrence from the controlling agency as soon as the CSA has made a
NID, if the entity needs access to SCI, RD, or COMSEC.
(ii) The controlling agency provides a final, written concurrence
or non-concurrence to the CSA within 30 days after receiving the
request for concurrence from the CSA.
(iii) In cases when a controlling agency requires clarification or
additional information from the CSA, the controlling agency responds to
the CSA within 30 days to request clarification or additional
information as needed, and to coordinate a plan and timeline for
concurring or non-concurring. The controlling agency must provide
written updates to the CSA every 30 days until it concurs or non-
concurs. In turn, the CSA provides the GCA and the entity with updates
every 30 days.
(i) Limited eligibility determinations (for entities under FOCI
without mitigation or negation). (1) In exceptional circumstances when
an entity is under FOCI, the CSA may decide that limited eligibility
for access to classified information is appropriate when the entity is
unable or unwilling to implement FOCI mitigation or negation measures
(this is not the same as limited eligibility in other circumstances;
for more information on limited eligibility in other cases, see Sec.
2004.32(f)).
(2) The GCA first decides whether to request a limited eligibility
determination for the entity and must articulate a compelling need for
it to the CSA that is in accordance with U.S. national security
interests. The GCA must verify to the CSA that access to classified
information is essential to contract or agreement performance, and
accept the risk inherent in not mitigating or negating the FOCI. See
Sec. 2004.32(b)(3).
(3) The CSA may grant a limited eligibility determination if the
GCA requests and the entity meets all other eligibility criteria in
Sec. 2004.32(e).
(4) A foreign government may sponsor a U.S. sub-entity of a foreign
entity for limited eligibility when the foreign government desires to
award a contract or agreement to the U.S. sub-entity that involves
access to classified information for which the foreign government is
the original classification authority (i.e., foreign government
information), and there is no other need for the U.S. sub-entity to
have access to classified information.
(5) Limited eligibility determinations are specific to the
classified information of the requesting GCA or foreign government, and
specific to a single, narrowly defined contract, agreement, or
circumstance of that GCA or foreign government.
(6) The access limitations of a favorable limited eligibility
determination apply to all of the entity's employees, regardless of
citizenship.
(7) A limited eligibility determination is not an option for
entities that require access to proscribed information when a foreign
government has ownership or control over the entity. See Sec.
2004.32(e)(9).
(8) The CSA administratively terminates the entity's limited
eligibility when there is no longer a need for access to the classified
information for which the CSA made the favorable limited eligibility
determination. Terminating one limited eligibility status does not
impact other ones the entity may have.
Sec. 2004.36 Determining entity employee eligibility for access to
classified information.
(a) Making employee eligibility determinations. (1) The responsible
CSA:
(i) Determines whether entity employees meet the criteria
established in the Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 4,
National Security Adjudicative Guidelines (December 10, 2016). Entity
employees must have a legitimate requirement (i.e., need to know) for
access to classified information in the performance of assigned duties
and eligibility must be clearly consistent with the interest of the
national security.
(ii) Notifies entities of its determinations of employee
eligibility for access to classified information.
(iii) Terminates eligibility status when there is no longer a need
for access to classified information by entity employees.
(2) The responsible CSA maintains:
(i) SF 312s, Classified Information Nondisclosure Agreements, or
other approved nondisclosure agreements, executed by entity employees,
as prescribed by ODNI in accordance with 32 CFR 2001.80 and E.O. 13526;
and
(ii) Records of its entity employee eligibility determinations,
suspensions, and revocations.
(3) CSAs ensure that entities limit the number of employees with
access to classified information to the minimum number necessary to
work on contracts or agreements requiring access to classified
information.
(4) The CSA determines the need for event-driven reinvestigations
for entity employees.
(5) CSAs use the Federal Investigative Standards (FIS) issued
jointly by the Suitability and Security Executive Agents.
[[Page 19962]]
(6) The CSA provides guidance to entities on:
(i) Requesting employee eligibility determinations, to include
guidance for submitting fingerprints; and
(ii) Granting employee access to classified information when the
employee has had a break in access or a break in employment.
(7) If the CSA receives adverse information about an eligible
entity employee, the CSA should consider and possibly investigate, as
authorized, to determine whether the employee's eligibility to access
classified information remains clearly consistent with the interests of
national security. If the CSA determines that an entity employee's
continued eligibility is not in the interest of national security, the
CSA implements procedures leading to suspension and ultimate revocation
of the employee's eligible status, and notifies the entity.
(b) Consultants. A consultant is an individual under contract or
agreement to provide professional or technical assistance to an entity
in a capacity requiring access to classified information. A consultant
is considered an entity employee for security purposes. The CSA makes
eligibility determinations for entity consultants in the same way it
does for entity employees.
(c) Reciprocity. The responsible CSA determines if an entity
employee was previously investigated or determined eligible by another
CSA. CSAs reciprocally accept existing employee eligibility
determinations in accordance with applicable and current national level
personnel security policy, and must not duplicate employee eligibility
investigations conducted by another CSA.
(d) Limited access authorization (LAA). (1) CSAs may make LAA
determinations for non-U.S. citizen entity employees in rare
circumstances, when:
(i) A non-U.S. citizen employee possesses unique or unusual skill
or expertise that the agency urgently needs to support a specific U.S.
Government contract or agreement; and
(ii) A U.S. citizen with those skills is not available.
(2) A CSA may grant LAAs up to the secret classified level.
(3) CSAs may not use LAAs for access to:
(i) Top secret (TS) information;
(ii) RD or FRD information;
(iii) Information that a Government-designated disclosure authority
has not determined releasable to the country of which the individual is
a citizen;
(iv) COMSEC information;
(v) Intelligence information, to include SCI;
(vi) NATO information, except as follows: Foreign nationals of a
NATO member nation may be authorized access to NATO information subject
to the terms of the contract, if the responsible CSA obtains a NATO
security clearance certificate from the individual's country of
citizenship. NATO access is limited to performance on a specific NATO
contract;
(vii) Information for which the U.S. Government has prohibited
foreign disclosure in whole or in part; or
(viii) Information provided to the U.S. Government by another
government that is classified or provided in confidence.
(4) The responsible CSA provides specific procedures to entities
for requesting LAAs. The GCA must concur on an entity's LAA request
before the CSA may grant it.
Sec. 2004.38 Safeguarding and marking.
(a) Safeguarding approval. (1) The CSA determines whether an
entity's safeguarding capability meets requirements established in 32
CFR part 2001, and other applicable national level policy (e.g., Atomic
Energy Act for RD). If the CSA makes a favorable determination, the
entity may store classified information at that level or below. If the
determination is not favorable, the CSA must ensure that the entity
does not possess classified information or does not possess information
at the classification level denied or a higher level.
(2) The CSA maintains records of its safeguarding capability
determinations and, upon request from GCAs or entities, and as
appropriate and to the extent authorized by law, verifies that it has
made a favorable safeguarding determination for a given entity and at
what level.
(b) Marking. The GCA provides guidance to entities that meets
requirements in 32 CFR 2001.22, 2001.23, 2001.24, and 2001.25,
Derivative classification, Classification marking in the electronic
environment, Additional requirements, and Declassification markings;
ISOO's marking guide, Marking Classified National Security Information;
and other applicable national level policy (e.g., Atomic Energy Act for
RD) for marking classified information and material.
Sec. 2004.40 Information system security.
(a) The responsible CSA must authorize an entity information system
before the entity can use it to process classified information. The CSA
must use the most complete, accurate, and trustworthy information to
make a timely, credible, and risk-based decision whether to authorize
an entity's system.
(b) The responsible CSA issues to entities guidance that
establishes protection measures for entity information systems that
process classified information. The responsible CSA must base the
guidance on standards applicable to Federal systems, which must include
the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 (FISMA),
Public Law 113-283, and may include National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) publications, Committee on National Security Systems
(CNSS) publications, and Federal information processing standards
(FIPS).
Sec. 2004.42 [Reserved]
Appendix A to Part 2004--Acronym Table
For details on many of these terms, see the definitions at Sec.
2004.4.
CCIPP--Classified Critical Infrastructure Protection Program
CCIPP POC--Entity point of contact under the CCIPP program
CIA--Central Intelligence Agency
CSA--Cognizant security agency
CNSS--Committee on National Security Systems
COMSEC--Communications security
CSO--Cognizant security office
DHS--Department of Homeland Security
DoD--Department of Defense
DOE--Department of Energy
EA--Executive agent (the NISP executive agent is DoD)
E.O.--Executive Order
FAR--Federal Aquisition Regulation
FOCI--Foreign ownership, control, or influence
GCA--Government contracting activity
Insider threat program SO--insider threat senior official (for an
agency or for an entity)
ISOO--Information Security Oversight Office of the National Archives
and Records Administration (NARA)
KMO--Key managers and officials (of an entity)
LAA--Limited access authorization
NID--National interest determination
NISPOM--National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual
NRC--Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NSA--National Security Agency
ODNI--Office of the Director of National Intelligence
PA--Proxy agreement
RD--Restricted data
SF--Standard Form
SAO--Senior agency official for NISP
SAP--Special access program
SCA--Security control agreement
SCI--Sensitive compartmented information
SSA--Special security agreement
TS--Top secret (classification level)
[[Page 19963]]
VT--Voting trust
David S. Ferriero,
Archivist of the United States.
[FR Doc. 2018-09465 Filed 5-4-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7515-01-P