FAS

U.S. Navy on Release of COMSEC Material to Industry

02.12.07 | 1 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood

The transfer of sensitive government communications security (COMSEC) information and equipment to industry is the subject of a newly revised U.S. Navy Instruction (pdf).

“Government cryptographic equipment operations will ordinarily be conducted by the Government,” the Instruction states.

“However, when there is a valid need and it is clearly in the best interest of the Navy and the Government, cryptographic equipment, keying material, related COMSEC information, and access to classified U.S. Government traffic may be provided to U.S. contractors….”

See “Release of Communications Security (COMSEC) Material To U.S. Industrial Firms Under Contract to the U.S. Navy,” OPNAVINST 2221.5C, February 7, 2007.