How to Inspect Classified Deliveries - A Guide For FSO's

Classified information can arrive to a clearedinspector should look for evidence of tearing, ripping,
contractor in many different ways. Whether deliveredre-wrapping or some other means of unauthorized
via courier, mail carrier, overnight carrier, classifiedaccess to the material.
electronic means, and etc. the FSO should have aNext, review the shipping label for full approved
process in place to control and protect classifiedclassified mailing address, return address and which
information from reception to dissemination ordoes not identify any recipient by name. Discrepancies
destruction. The FSO should establish procedures forshould be addressed with the sender. Additionally,
the proper reception of classified material. Thethere should be no classification markings on the outer
receiver of classified material plays a critical role inlayer of the item. Inner Layer -The inner layer is
both safeguarding classified material as well asinspected the same way as the outer layer for
identifies security violations that the sender may haveevidence of tampering or unauthorized disclosure.
committed.However, the inside wrapping contains the full address
FSOs can control the introduction and dissemination ofof the recipient as well as classification markings on
classified information with a centralized documentthe top, bottom, front and back. TOP SECRET and
control system. The NISPOM requires that a clearedSECRET material should have a packing list or receipt
contractor have an information management system inof contents either on the outside or inside of the
place to control classified information. This can becontainer. If no receipt is included, contact the sender.
accomplished with a centralized system to facilitateAccording to the NISPOM, CONFIDENTIAL information
the proper introduction and control of classifieddoes not need a receipt included with the shipment. If a
information entering the facility. This system requiresreceipt is included, the signer should sign it and return it
visitors, couriers, mail carriers, overnight deliveryto the sender.
companies, and other means of classifiedCompares the receipt against the label to ensure the
transmissions to perform under the FSO's establisheditem has been identified correctly. The receipt should
procedures. Without such controls, classifiedcontain information to direct the contents to the
information is vulnerable to unauthorized disclosure,appropriate recipient. The properly filled out receipt
loss, or compromise.identifies the sender, the addressee and correctly
The centralized reception and dissemination providesidentifies the contents by an unclassified title and
the FSO with a tool for the positive control ofappropriate quantity. Since the receipt may be filed for
classified information. In certain circumstances, clearedadministrative and compliance purposes, ensure it
facilities may have multiple delivery docks and mailingcontains no classified information. If the receipt contains
addresses. Classified information should only bea classified title, contact the sender to see if it can be
addressed and delivered to the established classifiedissued an unclassified title, reinvent an appropriate title,
mailing address. A good practice is to have theor prepare to store the receipt long term in an a GSA
classified address and centralized processing locationapproved container because it is a classified item.
co-located Simply put, uncontrolled introduction ofOnce the material is received and the delivery
classified information can lead to accountabilityinspected against the receipt, the FSO can input the
problems, potential security violations and compromisesinformation into a information management system.
of classified material. Addressing this at annual securityThis database can be something as simple as logging
awareness training is a good way to ensure clearedthe information into a notebook or through technology
employees understand.such as proprietary software sold on the market.
Outer Layer-The first step to receiving classifiedSome companies and federal agencies have
information is to examine the outer layer for evidencedeveloped internal forms and examples are available
of tampering or compromise of classified material. Theon the internet.