1.1 Purpose. This part provides the policies, regulations, and procedural guidelines for the operation of the national security information program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service).
1.2 Scope. The provisions of this part establish rules and procedures to be followed by Service employees in the handling and safeguarding of classified national security information. Nothing in this part is intended to eliminate or modify any national security information requirements established by law or Executive Order (EO).
1.3 Authorities. EO 12356, National Security Information; Information Security Oversight Office, Directive No. 1; and Departmental Manual (DM), Part 442 (Security - National Security Information).
1.4 Objectives. This part prescribes national security methods and responsibilities for necessary administration of the program and ensures the Service conforms to Federal regulations governing the protection of classified information.
1.5 Definitions. The following definitions are applicable for all chapters in this part.
A. Access. The ability and opportunity to obtain knowledge or possession of classified information. Individuals may have access to classified information by being in a place where such information is kept if the security measures that are in force do not prevent them from gaining knowledge or possession of classified information.
B. Automated Data Processing (ADP) Security. ADP security includes consideration of all hardware and/or software functions. ADP security measures and controls the protection of ADP against denial of service and unauthorized (accidental or intentional) disclosure, modification, or destruction of data or systems.
C. Classified Information. Official information or material that requires protection in the interest of national security and that is classified for such purpose by an appropriate classifying authority in accordance with the provisions of EO 12356.
D. Compromise. A security violation that has resulted in confirmed or suspected exposure of classified information or material to an unauthorized person.
E. Confidential. "Confidential" refers to national security information or material of which unauthorized disclosure reasonably could be expected to cause damage to the national security.
F. Consultant/Contractor. An individual performing a service under an agreement or contract to the Service.
G. Control Station. An office or facility designated as the sole point of receipt, storage, and dispatch of classified material.
H. Controlled Classified Material. All Top Secret, Secret, and cryptographic material regardless of classification, and Confidential material designated by the source (e.g. original or derivative classification authority) as requiring controls.
I. Custodian. An individual who has possession of or is otherwise charged with the responsibility for safeguarding and accounting for classified information.
J. Declassification. The determination that classified information no longer requires, in the interest of national security, any degree of protection against unauthorized disclosure.
K. Derivative Classification. A determination that information is in substance the same as information currently classified, and the application of the classification markings.
L. Document. Any recorded information regardless of its physical form or characteristics, including, without limitation, written or printed matter, data processing cards and tapes, maps, charts, paintings, drawings, engravings, sketches, working notes and papers, or reproductions of any means or process, and sound, voice, magnetic, or electronic recordings in any form.
M. Downgrade. A determination that classified information requires, in the interest of national security, a lower degree of protection against unauthorized disclosure than currently provided, together with a changing of the classification designation to reflect such lower degree of protection.
N. Formerly Restricted Data (FRD). Information removed from the Restricted Data category by a joint determination of the Department of Energy (or antecedent agencies) and the Department of Defense that such information relates primarily to the military utilization of atomic weapons and that such information can be safeguarded adequately as classified defense information. For purposes of foreign dissemination, however, such information is treated in the same manner as Restricted Data.
O. Information. Knowledge that can be communicated by any means.
P. Information Security. The result of any system of policies and procedures for identifying, controlling, and protecting from unauthorized disclosure, information for which protection is authorized by EO or statute.
Q. Material. Any product or substance on or in which information is embodied.
R. National Security. The national defense and foreign relations of the United States.
S. Need-to-know. A determination made by a possessor of classified information that a prospective recipient, in the interest of national security, has a requirement for access, knowledge, or possession of the classified information in order to accomplish lawful and authorized government purposes.
T. Original Classification. An initial determination that information requires, in the interest of national security, protection against unauthorized disclosure, together with a classification designation signifying the level of protection required.
U. Physical Security. Physical safeguards designed for the protection and welfare of personnel, facilities, equipment, and material. Physical safeguards include, but are not limited to, guard service, anti-intrusion alarm systems, visitor control, and perimeter security.
V. Restricted Data. All data (information) concerning design, manufacture, or utilization of atomic weapons; the production of special nuclear material; or the use of special nuclear material in the production of energy; with the exception of data that has been declassified or removed from the Restricted Data category pursuant to Section 142 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.
W. Secret. "Secret" refers to national security information or material, the unauthorized disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to the national security.
X. Security Clearance. An administrative determination based upon the results of an investigation that an individual is trustworthy and may be granted access to classified information as required in the performance of assigned duties.
Y. Short Title. A brief, identifying combination of words, letters, or numbers applied to specific items of classified material.
Z. Special Access Program. Any program imposing need-to-know or access controls beyond those normally required for access to Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret information.
AA. Top Secret. "Top Secret" refers to national security information or material, the unauthorized disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security.
BB. Unauthorized Disclosure. A communication or physical transfer of classified information to an unauthorized recipient.
CC. Upgrade. A determination that certain classified information requires, in the interest of national security, a higher degree of protection against unauthorized disclosure than currently provided, together with a changing of the classification designation to reflect such higher degree.
1.6 Responsibilities.
A. The Director is responsible for Servicewide administration and direction of the national security information program, through the appropriate Assistant Director as needed, and assuring full management commitment to the goals and objectives of the program. These responsibilities include the following:
(1) Designating in writing an appropriately cleared security officer and alternate.
(2) Ensuring that personnel so designated become conversant with the requirements of the security directives, and where necessary, act as the principal point of contact with the Office of Enforcement and Security Management in resolving security problems.
(3) Designating in writing appropriately cleared derivative classifiers and classified document control custodians.
B. Regional Directors are responsible for ensuring the national security information program is effectively administered and maintained within their respective Regions. Regional Directors are responsible for designating a Security Representative to discharge the responsibilities described in 1.6D.
C. Security Officer is responsible for oversight, compliance, and inspection of national security information procedures for all Service elements to assure that employees are cognizant of their security responsibilities, and the day-to-day management, development, and maintenance of the national security information program. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Ensuring the program is in conformance with all applicable directives.
(2) Ensuring the integrity of the classified national security information under the Service's jurisdiction.
(3) Developing appropriate procedures to ensure proper implementation of the Departmental program within the Service.
(4) Granting national security clearances within the Service.
D. Regional Security Representatives responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Serving as the principal point of contact with the Security Officer for security matters.
(2) Conducting security briefings and debriefings as required and ensuring the Nondisclosure Agreement, SF-312, is executed by all employees prior to being granted access to classified information.
(3) Forwarding security clearance requests to the Security Officer.
E. Managers and Supervisors. The ultimate responsibility for the safeguarding of classified national security information rests with each manager and supervisor to the same degree that the manager/supervisor is charged with the functional responsibility for the organization unit. Managers/supervisors shall ensure that classified material released to their organization is handled and safeguarded in accordance with the provisions of this Part.
F. Employees. The basic responsibility for the protection of classified national security information rests with each person who has physical custody, regardless of how obtained. Employees are responsible for ensuring that classification assigned by the originator is respected.