Overview
This section prescribes the specific Department of Defense (DoD) forms required for managing and safeguarding classified information when contractor access to such data is necessary under the National Industrial Security Program (NISP).
Key Rules
- Applicability: These rules apply to DoD components and specific non-defense agencies that have agreements with the DoD for industrial security services.
- DD Form 254 (Contract Security Classification Specification): Mandatory for identifying the specific security requirements and classification levels for a particular contract.
- DD Form 441 (Security Agreement): The foundational document that establishes the legal obligation of a contractor to follow the requirements of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM).
- Regulatory Triggers: Use of these forms is mandated whenever contractor access to classified information is required, as cross-referenced in FAR Subpart 4.4 and FAR Clause 52.204-2.
Practical Implications
- Compliance Gateway: Contractors cannot perform on classified contracts without executing a DD Form 441 to establish their facility clearance and receiving a DD Form 254 to guide their handling of sensitive data.
- Standardization: These forms provide a uniform method for the government to communicate security obligations to industry, ensuring that security protocols are consistent regardless of the specific agency involved.