National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)

The National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) establishes the requirements that cleared defense contractors must follow to safeguard classified national security information entrusted to them by the federal government under the National Industrial Security Program (NISP).

What is NISPOM?

NISPOM (formally codified in 32 CFR Part 117) is the primary regulatory framework governing how private sector defense contractors protect classified information in their facilities, systems, and operations. It covers the full scope of industrial security: personnel security (clearances), physical security (secure facilities and classified storage), information security (marking, handling, and transmission of classified material), information system security (classified networks), and operational security practices. Contractors that hold a Facility Clearance (FCL) are bound by NISPOM and are subject to oversight by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), which conducts periodic security assessments. NISPOM was significantly revised in 2021 when it was converted from a DoD instruction into a formal federal regulation under 32 CFR Part 117, making it legally binding in a more explicit way. Compliance with NISPOM is not optional for cleared contractors, violations can result in suspension or revocation of the facility clearance, which would render the contractor unable to work on classified programs. Contractors working on sensitive government programs learn the NISPOM thoroughly as it governs daily operations from hiring practices to document destruction.

Why NISPOM matters for government contractors

For any contractor seeking or holding a facility clearance, NISPOM compliance is a fundamental operating requirement. A contractor who cannot maintain NISPOM compliance will lose its FCL and become ineligible for classified work. Read our security clearances guide for a broader overview of the clearance landscape.

Example

A defense electronics firm hires a new employee who will need access to SECRET-level information. Under NISPOM, the firm initiates an SF-86 security investigation request, briefs the employee on security responsibilities, restricts access until the clearance is granted, and maintains a personnel security roster in DISS (Defense Information System for Security), all mandatory NISPOM processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Facility Clearance (FCL) and how does it relate to NISPOM?

A Facility Clearance (FCL) is the government's authorization for a cleared defense contractor's facility to access classified information up to a specified level (Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret). NISPOM specifies what a contractor must do, security policies, procedures, physical safeguards, training, to maintain that FCL and remain eligible for classified work.

Who enforces NISPOM?

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is the primary oversight body for the NISP and NISPOM compliance. DCSA conducts periodic security vulnerability assessments of cleared contractor facilities and investigates security incidents or violations.

What is an Insider Threat Program under NISPOM?

NISPOM requires cleared defense contractors to establish an Insider Threat Program, a set of policies and procedures to detect and report behaviors that could indicate an employee poses an insider threat to classified information or national security. Program requirements are detailed in NISPOM and associated DCSA guidance.

Does NISPOM apply to IT systems at cleared facilities?

Yes. NISPOM addresses information system security, including requirements for classified IT systems (called Classified Information Systems, or CIS). These systems must be authorized under the Risk Management Framework and meet specific technical controls. The DAAPM (DoD Assessment and Authorization Process Manual) provides detailed guidance for classified systems.