(a) Authority for original classification of information as Top Secret shall be exercised within OSTP only by the Director and by such principal subordinate officials having frequent need to exercise such authority as the Director shall designate in writing.

(b) The authority to classify information originally as Secret shall be exercised within OSTP only by the Director, other officials delegated in writing to have original Top Secret classification authority, and any other officials delegated in writing to have original Secret classification authority.

(c) The authority to classify information originally as Confidential shall be exercised within OSTP only by officials with original Top Secret or Secret classification authority and any officials delegated in writing to have original Confidential classification authority.