Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO)

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Express Carriers & National Security Systems

 

1. What overnight express carriers are authorized for NISP-cleared contractors?

  • GSA's Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) no longer includes UPS (contract number GS-23F-0282L). This impacts any orders or blanket purchasing agreements an agency had placed or intended to place with UPS under that particular contract.
  • Agencies are still authorized to use UPS under another valid Government contract: DoD/USTRANSCOM's Next Generation Delivery Services (NGDS) program. NGDS is a GSA-delegated, OMB mandatory-use program for small parcel delivery services. It has current contracts with UPS and FedEx that satisfy the requirements of 32 CFR 2001.46(c)(2)(ii) for overnight delivery of Confidential and Secret classified information. For Federal users to get more information on the NGDS program, its rates, and shipper's guide, see https://hallways.cap.gsa.gov/app/#/gateway/transportation-logistics-services.
  • Cleared NISP contractors should contact their Government Contracting Activity (GCA) for approval to utilize the NGDS contract for overnight delivery of Confidential and Secret classified information in accordance with 32 CFR 117.15(f)(3), as there are NGDS requirements that the GCA must ensure are met.  
  • If an agency is not able to utilize delivery services under the NGDS program, the agency may use another approved vendor for overnight delivery of Confidential and Secret classified information. USPS and FedEx have current contracts for delivery services under GSA's MAS 492110 schedule. Although these vendors meet the requirement in 32 CFR 2001.46(c)(2)(ii) to use a GSA-approved vendor, they have not been vetted under this schedule to determine if they meet the additional requirements for classified delivery services outlined in 32 CFR 2001.46(c)(2)(ii). Before placing an order against the MAS, the agency must therefore vet the vendor to ensure it meets these additional regulatory requirements.  Cleared NISP contractors will also need to make sure the supplier meets requirements in 32 CFR 117.15(f)(3). For more information on MASs, see https://www.gsa.gov/buying-selling/purchasing-programs/gsa-schedule. 

 

2. What is a "national security system" (NSS)?

  • 44 USC 3552 (b)(6)(A), Federal Information Security Management Act  of 2014 (FISMA), Public Law 113-283, December 18, 2014, defines a "national security system" as:

    Any information system (including any telecommunications system) used or operated by an agency or by a contractor of any agency, or other organization on behalf of an agency, (i) the function, operation, or use of which:

    (I) Involves intelligence activities;

    (II) Involves cryptologic activities related to national security;

    (II) Involves command and control of military forces;

    (IV) Involves equipment that is an integral part of a weapon or weapon system; or

    (V) Subject to subparagraph B, is critical to the direct fulfillment of military or intelligence missions; or (ii) is protected at all times by procedures established for information that have been specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive Order or an Act of Congress to be kept classified in the interest of national defense or foreign policy.

    (B) Subparagraph (A)(i)(V) does not include a system that is to be used for routine administrative and business applications (including payroll, finance, logistics, and personnel management applications).

 

3. Can Secret and Confidential information be transmitted by an overnight delivery service within the U.S. and its Territories?

  • Yes. Agency heads may, when a requirement exists for overnight delivery within the U.S. and its Territories, authorize the use of the current holder of the General Services Administration contract for overnight delivery of information for the Executive Branch [Ref. Section 2001.46 (c)(2) of 32 C.F.R. Part 2001].
  • Overnight Express Carriers: These overnight express carriers below meet the requirements outlined In 32 CFR Part 2001 for Federal Executive Branch and the requirements established in DoD Manual 5220.22, NISPOM for cleared contractors for the shipment of CONFIDENTIAL AND SECRET MATERIAL.

Federal Express

USPS *(see note 1)

*Note 1: Sender must verify that the zip code which the package is destined that USPS provides overnight Express services

**Note 2: Please ensure that classified packages are delivered to a person vice dropped off without a signature.

At this time, USPS registered mail is the only authorized way to send collateral secret and below information through the U.S. postal service requiring a signature. Do not send any classified material without first ensuring the package will be delivered with the required signature.

 

4.   How is Classified National Security Information transmitted?

Transmittal requirements for classified materials vary depending on the classification level of the information they contain. In all instances, the use of street side mailboxes is prohibited.

  • CONFIDENTIAL materials may be sent via U.S. Postal Service certified, first class, express, or registered mail or government courier service.
  • SECRET materials may ONLY be sent via U.S. Postal Service express or registered mail or government courier service.

When mailing materials to ISOO, please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Wrap the body of records in opaque paper. Heavy brown paper or brown mailing envelopes are best. CONFIDENTIAL and SECRET materials may be wrapped together.
  • Seal all seams with filament tape.

Address the package to:

Director, Information Security Oversight Office
National Archives and Records Administration
700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Room 100
Washington, DC 20408

Provide a return address.

  • Label the front and back of the package with the highest classification marking of the documents it contains. Wrap the entire package ONCE MORE in opaque paper. Again, address the package to the Director of ISOO as indicated above and provide a return address. On this outer wrapper, do NOT write the classification level of the materials contained within. Again, seal all seams with filament tape.
  • TOP SECRET materials may NOT be sent via U.S. mail and may only be transmitted by authorized government courier service. ISOO can make the necessary arrangements on your institution’s behalf.
  • ISOO staff will give more detailed instructions regarding the shipment of classified records and regarding the temporary retention of records by ISOO pending declassification.

 

5. Where can I get additional information on the NSS, incidents, and spills?

 

6. Where can I contact the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS)?

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