U.S. industry develops and produces the majority of our nation's defense technology - much of which is classified and thus plays a significant role in creating and protecting the information that is vital to our nation's security. The National Industrial Security Program (NISP) was established by Executive Order 12829 to ensure that cleared U.S. defense industry safeguards the classified information in their possession while performing work on contracts, programs, bids, or research and development efforts.

DCSA administers the NISP on behalf of the Department of Defense and 32 other federal agencies. There are approximately 12,000 contractor facilities that are cleared for access to classified information.

To have access to U.S. classified information and participate in the NISP, a facility - a designated operating entity in private industry or at a college/university - must have a legitimate need for access to classified information in connection with a U.S. Government or foreign government requirement. Once this requirement has been established, a facility may be sponsored for a Facility Security Clearance.

In order to obtain the clearance, the contractor must execute a Defense Security Agreement which is a legally binding document that sets forth the responsibilities of both parties and obligates the contractor to abide by the security requirements of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual.

Once a facility is cleared, DCSA has oversight authority to evaluate the security operations of the organization. The DCSA Industrial Security Representative (ISR) is the principal interface with cleared industry under the NISP. These individuals, spread across the United States in four geographic regions and 43 field locations, work in a professional partnership with the contractor's facility management staff and facility security officer to ensure the protection of classified information released under contractual obligations or research and development efforts. In addition, the ISR works with government customers on facility clearance issues which may impact on the contractor's ability to perform on the classified contract. Information Systems Security Professionals (ISSPs) ensure that industry’s information systems operating within established information assurance standards to mitigate technology and cyber security risk.

DCSA is also responsible for certifying, accrediting and evaluating on a continuous basis the automated information systems used by cleared industrial facilities to process classified information.

The Mission of Industrial Security Field Operations (IO) is to provide security oversight of the National Industrial Security Program and minimize vulnerabilities in cleared industry.

Industrial Security Representatives and Information System Security Professionals, support the agency's overarching mission by clearing industrial facilities, personnel, and associated information systems; providing oversight and guidance to cleared industry; and assessing the security posture of cleared industry.

The Vision of the IO is to serve as a "first responder" to Industry for industrial security matters, creating a partnership with our Industry stakeholders to continuously improve security of classified information in support of national security and the warfighter

The Industrial Security Field Operations (ISFO) staff consists of the following headquarters components:

• Facility Clearance Branch (FCB)
• National Industrial Security Program Authorization Office (NAO) (Formerly known as ODAA)
• Quality Assurance and Field Support

Contact Us

For questions or comments regarding the contents of this site, please contact the Industrial Security Field Operations (IO) via the mailbox link below. For all other industrial security policy related questions, please contact your local DCSA field office.

If you require the mailing address for DCSA Field Offices please direct your request to dss.quantico.dss-hq.mbx.isfo-communication-feedback@mail.mil. As this list is updated, this notification and the NEWS section on www.dcsa.mil homepage will be updated to reflect the most current version of this information.