FAS

US Air Force Updates Policy on Special Access Programs

12.06.17 | 1 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood

The US Air Force last month issued updated policy guidance on its “special access programs” (SAPs). Those are classified programs of exceptional sensitivity requiring safeguards and access restrictions beyond those of other categories of classified information.

See Air Force Policy Directive 16-7Special Access Programs, 21 November 2017.

The new Air Force policy makes provisions for internal oversight of its SAPs, as well as limited congressional access to SAP information under some circumstances.

Notably, however, the new Air Force directive does not acknowledge the authority of the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) to review and oversee its SAPs.

That’s an error, said ISOO director Mark Bradley.

The executive order on national security classification (EO 13526, sect. 4.3) explicitly says that “the Director of the Information Security Oversight Office shall be afforded access to these [special access] programs.”

Mr. Bradley said that ISOO would communicate the point effectively to the Air Force.

publications
See all publications
Emerging Technology
Blog
Translating Vision into Action: FAS Commentary on the NSCEB Final Report and the Future of U.S. Biotechnology

Advancing the U.S. leadership in emerging biotechnology is a strategic imperative, one that will shape regional development within the U.S., economic competitiveness abroad, and our national security for decades to come.

06.27.25 | 15 min read
read more
Emerging Technology
day one project
Policy Memo
Measuring and Standardizing AI’s Energy and Environmental Footprint to Accurately Access Impacts

Inconsistent metrics and opaque reporting make future AI power‑demand estimates extremely uncertain, leaving grid planners in the dark and climate targets on the line

06.27.25 | 15 min read
read more
Clean Energy
day one project
Policy Memo
Speed Grid Connection Using ‘Smart AI Fast Lanes’ and Competitive Prizes

Federal and state governments need to ensure that the development of new AI and data center infrastructure does not increase costs for consumers, impact the environment, and exacerbate existing inequalities.

06.27.25 | 10 min read
read more
Emerging Technology
day one project
Policy Memo
A Holistic Framework for Measuring and Reporting AI’s Impacts to Build Public Trust and Advance AI 

As AI becomes more capable and integrated throughout the United States economy, its growing demand for energy, water, land, and raw materials is driving significant economic and environmental costs, from increased air pollution to higher costs for ratepayers.

06.26.25 | 15 min read
read more