Vocab 7 - Visits & Meetings in the NISP (Glossary)

Question 1

Access

Answer 1

The actual level of classified information to which a person is authorized disclosure. It is a security officer’s responsibility to assign access level.

Question 2

CAGE Code

Answer 2

Commercial and Government Entity Code: a five position code that identifies contractors doing business with the Federal Government, NATO member nations, and other foreign governments and is used to support a variety of mechanized
systems throughout the government and provides for a standardized method of identifying a given facility at a specific location.

Question 3

Classification Guide

Answer 3

A document issued by an authorized original classifier that
identifies the elements of information regarding a specific subject that must be classified and prescribes the level and duration of classified and appropriate declassification
instructions. (Classification guides are provided to contractors by the Contract Security Classification Specification)

Question 4

Classified Contract

Answer 4

Any contract requiring access to classified information by a
contractor or his or her employees in the performance of the contract. (A contract may be a classified contract even through the contract document is not classified.) The requirements prescribed for a “classified contract” also are applicable to all phases of pre-contract activity, including solicitations (bids, quotations, and proposals), pre-contract negotiations, post-contract activity, or other Government Contracting Activity programs or projects which require access to classified information by a contractor.

Question 5

Classified Information

Answer 5

Official information that has been determined, pursuant to
Executive Order 12958 or any predecessor order, or pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, to require protection against unauthorized disclosure in the interest of national security which has been designated.

Question 6

Classified Information Nondisclosure Agreement (Standard Form-SF 312)

Answer 6

An official authorized contract between an individual and the U.S. Government signed by the individual as a condition of access to classified information. This contractual agreement, which is signed prior to the individual’s access, addresses the individual’s responsibilities to protect classified information and the penalties for non-compliance.

Question 7

Classified Visit

Answer 7

A visit during which a visitor will require, or is expected to require, access to classified information.

Question 8

Cleared Contractor Facility

Answer 8

Any industrial, educational, commercial facility, or other entity that has been granted a facility security clearance under the U.S. NISP.

Question 9

Cleared Employees

Answer 9

All contractor employees granted a Personnel Security Clearance and all employees being processed for such a clearance.

Question 10

Cognizant Security Agencies (CSAs)

Answer 10

Agencies of the Executive Branch that have been
authorized by E.O. 12829 to establish an industrial security program for the purpose of safeguarding classified information under the jurisdiction of those agencies when disclosed
or released to U.S. Industry. Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. When the DOD is the CSA, international visits are facilitated by DCSA Headquarters.

Question 11

Communications Security (COMSEC)

Answer 11

Protective measures taken to deny unauthorized persons information derived from telecommunications of the U.S.
government relating to national security and to ensure the authenticity of such communications.

Question 12

Compromise

Answer 12

An unauthorized disclosure of classified information.

Question 13

CONFIDENTIAL

Answer 13

The classification level applied to information, the unauthorized disclosure of which reasonable could be expected to cause damage to the national security that the original classification authority is able to identify or describe.

Question 14

Contract Security Classification Specification (DD Form 254)

Answer 14

This document provides the Prime Contractor or subcontractor with the security requirements and the classification guidance that is necessary to execute a classified contract.

Question 15

Contractor

Answer 15

Any industrial, educational, commercial, or other entity that has been granted a Facility Clearance by a CSA.

Question 16

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

Answer 16

A categorical designation that refers to unclassified information that does not meet the standards for National Security Classification pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13526, “Classified National Security Information,” Reference (e), but is pertinent to the national interests of the U.S. or to
the important interests of entities outside the Federal Government and under law or policy requires protection from unauthorized disclosure, special handling safeguards,
or prescribed limits on exchange or dissemination. NOTE: The designation Controlled
Unclassified Information replaces the term Sensitive but Unclassified.

Question 17

Counterintelligence (CI)

Answer 17

Information gathered and activities conducted to identify, deceive, exploit, disrupt, or protect against espionage or other intelligence activities, sabotage, or assassinations conducted for or on behalf of foreign powers, organizations, persons, their agents, or international terrorist organizations.

Question 18

Critical Nuclear Weapon Design Information (CNWDI)

Answer 18

A Department of Defense (DOD) category that reveals the theory of operation or design of the components of a thermonuclear or fission bomb, warhead, demolition munition, or test device.

Question 19

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)

Answer 19

The security agency in the federal government dedicated to protecting America’s trusted workforce and trusted workspaces — real or virtual. DCSA joins two essential missions: Personnel Vetting and Critical Technology Protection, supported by Counterintelligence and Training, Education and Certification functions.

Question 20

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) Industrial Security Representative (IS Rep)

Answer 20

Local representative from the DCSA that provides advice and

assistance to establish the security program and to ensure a facility is in compliance with the NISP.

Question 20

Department of Defense (DOD)

Answer 20

The largest of five CSAs, having issued the most classified contracts to industry. Additionally, the Secretary of Defense has entered into agreements with other federal agencies for the purpose of rendering industrial security services.

Question 21

Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DOD CAF)

Answer 21

The DOD CAF is the sole authority to determine security clearance eligibility of Non-Intelligence agency DOD personnel occupying sensitive positions and/or requiring access to classified material, including Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).

Question 22

Department of Defense (DOD) Directive

Answer 22

A DOD Directive establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and delegates authority to DOD Components.

Question 23

Department of Defense (DOD) Directive 5230.20

Answer 23

This directive, “Visits and Assignment of Foreign Nationals”, establishes policies and responsibilities governing visits and
assignments of foreign nationals to DOD Components and cleared contractor facilities.

Question 24

Department of Defense Form 254 (DD Form 254) – Contract Security Classification Specification

Answer 24

This document provides security guidance to both the contractor and the government. It is a legal document that directs the contractor about the proper protection of classified material released under the contract.

Question 25

Department of Defense (DOD) Personnel Security System of Record

Answer 25

System of record for personnel security, suitability, and credential management of all DOD employees, military personnel, civilians, and contractors.

Question 26

Eligibility

Answer 26

The highest level of information which may be disclosed to a person based on the type of completed and favorable investigation. It is a CAF responsibility to assign eligibility.

Question 27

Empowered Official

Answer 27

The ITAR defines an Empowered Official as a U.S. person:
Employed by the applicant/subsidiary with authority for policy or management; Legally empowered to sign license applications or requests on behalf of the applicant;
Understands the requirements of export control statutes and penalties for violating the AECA and ITAR; and Authorized to: Enquire into a proposed export, temporary import, or
brokering activity; and Verify legality and accuracy; and Refuse to sign any license application or other request.

Question 28

Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

Answer 28

The U.S. Department of Commerce administers the EAR (15 CFR §730-774), which regulate the export of “dual-use” items.
These items include goods and related technology, including technical data and technical assistance, which are designed for commercial purposes, but which could have military
applications, such as computers, aircraft, and pathogens.

Question 29

Export authorization

Answer 29

An approved numbered license or agreement or an authorized
exemption under the ITAR. Written approval by a GCA of a visit request is considered to be the export authorization if the approval clearly identifies the information that will be disclosed.

Question 30

Facility

Answer 30

A plant, laboratory, office, college, university, or commercial structure with associated warehouses, storage areas, utilities, and components, that, when related by function and location, form an operating entity. (A business or educational organization may consist of one or more facilities as defined herein) For the purposes of industrial security, the term does not include Government installations.

Question 31

Facility (Security) Clearance (FCL)

Answer 31

An administrative determination that, from a national security standpoint, a facility is eligible for access to classified information at the same or lower classification category as the clearance being granted. The FCL may be granted at the Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret level.

Question 32

Facility Security Officer (FSO)

Answer 32

A U.S. citizen employee, appointed by a contractor who will supervise and direct security measures necessary for implementing the NISPOM and other Federal requirements for classified information.

Question 33

FCL System of Record

Answer 33

The electronic system that all companies must use while in
process for an FCL or to report a changed condition. It is also a repository of information about DOD cleared contractor facilities. The system has internal users (with full access such as DCSA personnel) and external users (with limited access).

Question 34

Foreign interest

Answer 34

Any foreign government, agency 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 citizen or national of the United States.

Question 35

Foreign national

Answer 35

In accordance with the NISPOM, any person who is not a citizen or national of the United States.

Question 36

Foreign person

Answer 36

Foreign person means any natural person who is not a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). It also means any foreign corporation, business association, partnership, trust, society or any other entity or group that is not incorporated or organized to do business in the United States, as well as international organizations, foreign governments and any agency or subdivision of foreign governments (e.g., diplomatic missions).

Question 37

Foreign Visits System (FVS)

Answer 37

The automated system operated by the Office of the USD(P) that provides staffing and database support for processing RFVs by foreign nationals to DOD Component activities and defense contractors.

Question 38

Government-approved arrangement

Answer 38

A Government-approved arrangement may be an agreement, contract, or export license.

Question 39

Government Contracting Activity (GCA)

Answer 39

An element of an agency designated by the agency head and delegated broad authority regarding acquisition functions.

Question 40

International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

Answer 40

Control the export and import of defense-related articles and services on the U.S. Munitions List (defense and military-related technologies)

Question 41

International Visit Program (IVP)

Answer 41

International Visits Program (IVP): Is designed to ensure that classified information and CUI to be disclosed to such visitors has been properly authorized for disclosure to their governments, to ensure that the requesting foreign government provides a Security Assurance for the proposed visitor when classified information is involved in the visit or assignment, and to facilitate administrative arrangements (e.g., date, time, and place) for the visit or assignment.

Question 42

National Industrial Security Program (NISP)

Answer 42

The NISP was established by Executive Order 12829 for the protection of classified information released or disclosed to
industry in connection with classified contracts. The NISP applies standards for the protection of classified information released or disclosed to contractors of all federal executive branch departments and agencies. Requirements of the NISP are stated in the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual.

Question 43

National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) – 32CFR Part 117

Answer 43

Implements policy, assigns responsibilities, establishes requirements, and provides procedures consistent with Executive Order 12829, “National Industrial Security Program;” Executive Order 10865, “Safeguarding Classified Information within Industry;” and 32 Code of Regulation Part 2004, “National Industrial Security Program.” That guidance outlines the protection of classified information that is disclosed to, or developed by contractors, licensees, grantees, or certificate holders to prevent unauthorized disclosure.

Question 44

Need-to-Know

Answer 44

A determination made by an authorized holder of classified information that a prospective recipient has a requirement for access to, knowledge, or possession of the classified information to perform tasks or services essential to the fulfillment of a classified contract or program.

Question 45

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

Answer 45

NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance that consists of 29 independent member countries across North America and Europe. NATO constitutes a system of collective defense whereby its member states agree to mutual defense in response to an attack by any external party. Three NATO members (the United States, France and the United Kingdom) are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council with the power to veto and are officially nuclear- weapon states.

Question 46

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Facility Security Clearance Certificate (FSCC)

Answer 46

This certificate is required for any contractor to negotiate or perform on a NATO classified contract or subcontract. The certificate certifies the facility has a U.S. facility security clearance at the requisite level, its personnel who require access have been briefed on NATO procedures, and the requirements of the NISPOM are met. The DOD
Cognizant Security Agency will provide the certificate to the requesting NATO command, agency or member nation, as applicable.

Question 47

Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

Answer 47

Information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, either alone or when combined with other personal or identifying information that is linked or linkable to a specific individual.

Question 48

Personnel (Security) Clearance (PCL)

Answer 48

The administrative determination that an individual is eligible, from a security point of view, for access to classified information of the same or lower category as the level of the Personnel Security Clearance being granted.

Question 49

Portable Electronic Device (PED)

Answer 49

Mobile devices that transmit, store, or record data. Examples range from handheld, lightweight electronic devices such as tablets, e-readers, and smartphones to small devices, such as MP3 players.

Question 50

Prime Contractor

Answer 50

The contractor who receives a prime contract from a GCA.

Question 51

Request for Visit (RFV)

Answer 51

Required for incoming international visits. The RFV may be
submitted through the sponsoring government’s embassy in Washington, D.C. or by the sponsoring organization using the automated Foreign Visits System (FVS) and IVP procedures. The cognizant U.S. Government agency approves or rejects the RFV.

Question 52

SECRET

Answer 52

The classification level applied to information, the unauthorized disclosure of which reasonably could be expected to cause serious damage to national security that the
original classification is able to identify or describe.

Question 53

Security Assurance

Answer 53

The written confirmation requested by, and exchanged between, governments regarding the security clearance level or eligibility for clearance of their employees, contractors, and citizens. It includes a statement by a responsible official of a foreign government that the original recipient of U.S. classified information possesses the
requisite security clearance, is approved by his or her government for access to information of the security classification involved on behalf of the foreign government, and that the recipient will comply with any security requirements specified by the U.S. In the case of
contractors, security assurance includes a statement concerning the level of storage capability.

Question 54

Technology Control Plan (TCP)

Answer 54

The document that identifies and describes sensitive program information; the risks involved in foreign access to the information; the participation in the program or foreign sales of the resulting system; and the development of access controls and protective measures as necessary to protect the U.S.
technological or operational advantage represented by the system.

Question 55

TOP SECRET

Answer 55

The classification level applied to information, the unauthorized disclosure of which reasonable could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security that the original classification authority is able to identify or describe.

Question 56

Transmission

Answer 56

The sending of information from one place to another by audio, microwave, laser, or other non-connective methods, as well as by cable, wire, or other connective medium. Transmission also includes movement involving the actual
transfer of custody and responsibility for a document or other classified material from one authorized addressee to another.

Question 57

U-1201

Answer 57

The Request for Visit form used for international visits. This form and the instructions for its completion are located in Appendix B of the NISPOM.

Question 58

United States (U.S.)

Answer 58

The 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Question 59

Visit Authorization Letter (VAL)

Answer 59

This letter may be used if the DOD Personnel Security
System of Record is not available. The letter must state the requesting contractor’s name, address, phone number, CAGE Code, if applicable, and certification of the level of the
favorable entity eligibility determination (also referred to as a Facility Clearance, or FCL and the date or period during which the VAL is to be valid.