[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]



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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.

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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

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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).

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:

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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

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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 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

[[Page 19954]]

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

[[Page 19955]]

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