The National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) establishes the standard procedures and requirements for all government contractors about classified information. It covers the entire field of government-industrial security-related matters. The NISPOM came from DoD 5220.22-M “National Industry Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)” but has been replaced by 32 Federal Regulation Part 117.” The website below links to the most updated NISP information.

 

Main NISPOM References

• Website: 32 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117 “National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual”

• (Replaced) Document: DoD 5220.22-M “National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)” – 18 May 2016

• Website: Defense Security Service “National Industrial Security Program (NISP)”

Purpose of the NISPOM

The purpose of the NISPOM is to establish requirements for the protection of classified information disclosed to or developed by contractors, licensees, grantees, or certificate holders to prevent unauthorized disclosure.

NISPOM Regulation

The 32 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual,” provides relevant information on oversight of the NISP. The 32 CFR Part 117 or NISPOM Rule replaced the NISPOM previously issued as a DOD policy (DOD 5220.22-M) on Feb. 24, 2021.

What is the National Industrial Security Program (NISP)

The National Industrial Security Program (NISP) was established by Executive Order 12829 in 1993 to ensure that the cleared U.S. defense industry safeguards the classified information in their possession while working on contracts, programs, bids, or research and development efforts. The Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency (DCSA) administers the NISP on behalf of the Department of Defense and 33 other federal agencies.

NISPOM Table of Content

1.0: General Provisions and Requirements
2.0: Security Clearances
2.1: Facility Clearances
2.2: Personnel Security Clearances
2.3: Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI)
3.0: Security Training and Briefings
4.0: Classification and Marking
5.0: Safeguarding Classified Information
6.0: Visits and Meetings
7.0: Subcontracting
8.0: Information System Security
9.0: Special Requirements Section
9.1: RD and FRD
9.2: DoD Critical Nuclear Weapon Design Information (CNWDI)
9.3:  Intelligence Information
9.4:  Communication Security (COMSEC)
10.0: International Security Requirements
11.0: Miscellaneous Information
11.1 TEMPEST
11.2 Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC)
11.3 Independent Research and Development (IRAD) Efforts

AcqLinks and References:

• DoD 5220.22-M “National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)” – 18 May 2016
• General Principles of NISPOM Compliance for Cleared Contractors
• DD Form 441 “DoD Security Agreement” – May 2008
• Article: Federal Registry NISPOM – 20 Dec 2020
• Website: Defense Security Service “National Industrial Security Program (NISP)” 
• Website: 32 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117 “National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual”

Updated: 11/26/2022

Rank: G1.7