Which entity ensures that cleared industry safeguards classified information in its possession?

Which entity ensures that cleared industry safeguards classified information in its possession?

• A. Government-Industry Partnership
• B. DoD 5220.22-M NISPOM
• C. Cognizant Security Agencies
• D. Defense Security Service

Answer: (A)

The overseeing mechanism is Cognizant Security Agencies. These are the government entities assigned to each cleared contractor to administer the National Industrial Security Program and enforce the requirements in NISPOM. They verify that a contractor’s security program is actually in place, conduct inspections and audits, review safeguarding procedures, approve security measures, and ensure employees handle classified information properly. The DoD 5220.22-M NISPOM is the rulebook that describes what must be done, not who enforces it. The Defense Security Service (now part of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency) is one example of a CSA for DoD contracts, but the general responsibility rests with the Cognizant Security Agencies. Government-Industry Partnership isn’t an enforcement body, so it doesn’t perform the oversight duties.

The overseeing mechanism is Cognizant Security Agencies. These are the government entities assigned to each cleared contractor to administer the National Industrial Security Program and enforce the requirements in NISPOM. They verify that a contractor’s security program is actually in place, conduct inspections and audits, review safeguarding procedures, approve security measures, and ensure employees handle classified information properly. The DoD 5220.22-M NISPOM is the rulebook that describes what must be done, not who enforces it. The Defense Security Service (now part of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency) is one example of a CSA for DoD contracts, but the general responsibility rests with the Cognizant Security Agencies. Government-Industry Partnership isn’t an enforcement body, so it doesn’t perform the oversight duties.