Which agency may make specific determinations regarding a contractor's TOP SECRET accountability procedures?

Which agency may make specific determinations regarding a contractor's TOP SECRET accountability procedures?

• A. Cognizant Security Agency (CSA)
• B. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
• C. Department of Energy (DOE)
• D. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Answer: (A)

Top Secret accountability procedures for a contractor are determined by the Cognizant Security Agency. This agency is responsible for overseeing a contractor’s security program and approving the specific safeguarding and accountability measures the contractor must implement to protect Top Secret material. They review the contractor’s security plan, inventory and handling procedures, access controls, and reporting processes, and they authorize the procedures that must be followed. Other agencies such as CIA, DOE, or FCC may have authority in their own programs or for contractors working on work for that agency, but the authority to make the day-to-day determinations of Top Secret accountability procedures in the NISP framework rests with the Cognizant Security Agency.

Top Secret accountability procedures for a contractor are determined by the Cognizant Security Agency. This agency is responsible for overseeing a contractor’s security program and approving the specific safeguarding and accountability measures the contractor must implement to protect Top Secret material. They review the contractor’s security plan, inventory and handling procedures, access controls, and reporting processes, and they authorize the procedures that must be followed. Other agencies such as CIA, DOE, or FCC may have authority in their own programs or for contractors working on work for that agency, but the authority to make the day-to-day determinations of Top Secret accountability procedures in the NISP framework rests with the Cognizant Security Agency.