Agency. Any “executive agency,” as defined in 5 U.S.C. 105; any “Military department” as defined in 5 U.S.C. 102; and any other entity within the Executive Branch that comes into possession of classified information.

Classified Information. All information that requires protection under Executive Order 12958, or any of its antecedent orders, and the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.

Cognizant Security Agency (CSA). Those agencies that have been authorized by Executive Order 12829 to establish an industrial security program for the purpose of safeguarding classified information disclosed or released to industry.

Cognizant Security Office (CSO). The office or offices delegated by the head of a CSA to administer industrial security in a contractor's facility on behalf of the CSA.

Facility. An activity of a government agency or cleared contractor authorized by appropriate authority to conduct classified operations or to perform classified work.

Industry. Contractors, licensees, grantees, and certificate holders obligated by contract or other written agreement to protect classified information under the National Industrial Security Program.

National Security. The national defense and foreign relations of the United States.

Senior Agency Official. Those officials, pursuant to Executive Order 12958, designated by the agency head who are assigned the responsibility to direct and administer the agency's information security program.