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National Industrial Security Program

The National Industrial Security Program (NISP) is a partnership between the federal government and private industry to safeguard classified information.

Executive Order 12829, as amended, "National Industrial Security Program" (the "NISP") (PDF Format), was established to achieve cost savings and protect classified information held by contractors, licensees, and grantees of the United States Government. The Order was signed by President Bush in January of 1993.

Redundant, overlapping, or unnecessary requirements impede the technological and economic interests of the U.S Government. Executive Order 12829 calls for a single, integrated, cohesive system for safeguarding classified information held by industry. Consistent with the goal of achieving greater uniformity in security requirements for classified contracts, the four major tenets of the NISP are:

• Achieving uniformity in security procedures.
• Implementing the reciprocity principle in security procedures, particularly with regard to facility and personnel clearances.
• Eliminating duplicative or unnecessary requirements, particularly agency inspections.
• Achieving reductions in security costs.

The NISP affects all executive branch agencies. The major signatories to the program are the Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Defense, and the Central Intelligence Agency.

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The NISPPAC:

Executive Order 12829 also established the creation of the National Industrial Security Program Policy Advisory Committee (NISPPAC). The NISPPAC creates a true partnership between Government and industry in policy making. With representation from Government and industry, they advise the ISOO Director, who serves as its Chair, on all matters concerning the policies of the NISP. This includes recommending changes to those policies as reflected in the Order, and its implementing directives. The NISPPAC also serves as a forum to discuss policy issues in dispute.

The ISOO Director appoints 13 representatives from executive branch agencies and eight representatives from industry. They meet twice a year and the meetings are open to the public.

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