DCSA - Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
02/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/04/2026 10:21
DCSA and NISP signatories focus on industrial security at annual forum
QUANTICO, Va.- Senior leaders and representatives from federal executive branch agencies and departments convened for industrial security updates at the 2026 National Industrial Security Program (NISP) Signatory Executive Forum, hosted by the Industrial Security Operating Component of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) on Jan. 22.
It was the third forum that enabled NISP signatories to engage in person to address the national industrial security program and collaborate across the industrial security enterprise.
The NISP - established by Executive Order (EO) 12829 - ensures that cleared U.S. defense industry safeguards classified information in their possession while performing work on contracts, programs, bids or research and development efforts.
Moreover, the EO directs the Secretary of War to enter into industrial security services agreements with non-DOW federal executive branch agencies and departments to provide industrial security services, which DCSA performs on behalf of the Department of War.
The forum is part of DCSA's ongoing effort to strengthen security practices across the federal executive branch and cleared defense industry partners. It featured briefings and panel discussions focused on safeguarding classified information and implementing NISP policy.
Senior officials from the Information Security Oversight Office responsible for the national program and from the Office of the Under Secretary of War (OUSW) for Intelligence and Security (I&S), representing DOW as the NISP cognizant security agency, joined DCSA - the DOW cognizant security office - and partner agencies at the event. They provided updates on personnel vetting initiatives, industrial security oversight, reciprocity standards and modernization of security systems.
Subject matter experts also highlighted intelligence and operational perspectives, offering insights into evolving threats, including cyber threats, facing national security infrastructure.
The NISP - a vital partnership between the federal government and private industry - promotes uniform security procedures, reciprocity among agencies, and streamlined requirements while reducing security costs and protecting the nation's technological advantage.
The NISP Signatory Executive Forum reinforced DCSA's continued commitment to meaningful engagement with federal partners and industry as they work together to advance shared national security objectives.
It was the third forum that enabled NISP signatories to engage in person to address the national industrial security program and collaborate across the industrial security enterprise.
The NISP - established by Executive Order (EO) 12829 - ensures that cleared U.S. defense industry safeguards classified information in their possession while performing work on contracts, programs, bids or research and development efforts.
Moreover, the EO directs the Secretary of War to enter into industrial security services agreements with non-DOW federal executive branch agencies and departments to provide industrial security services, which DCSA performs on behalf of the Department of War.
The forum is part of DCSA's ongoing effort to strengthen security practices across the federal executive branch and cleared defense industry partners. It featured briefings and panel discussions focused on safeguarding classified information and implementing NISP policy.
Senior officials from the Information Security Oversight Office responsible for the national program and from the Office of the Under Secretary of War (OUSW) for Intelligence and Security (I&S), representing DOW as the NISP cognizant security agency, joined DCSA - the DOW cognizant security office - and partner agencies at the event. They provided updates on personnel vetting initiatives, industrial security oversight, reciprocity standards and modernization of security systems.
Subject matter experts also highlighted intelligence and operational perspectives, offering insights into evolving threats, including cyber threats, facing national security infrastructure.
The NISP - a vital partnership between the federal government and private industry - promotes uniform security procedures, reciprocity among agencies, and streamlined requirements while reducing security costs and protecting the nation's technological advantage.
The NISP Signatory Executive Forum reinforced DCSA's continued commitment to meaningful engagement with federal partners and industry as they work together to advance shared national security objectives.
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