What is the primary purpose of the NISP?

• A. Safeguard classified information entrusted to industry
• B. Manage contractor payroll
• C. Regulate export controls
• D. Determine security clearances for individuals

Answer: (A)

The primary purpose is to protect sensitive, classified information that is entrusted to industry partners. The National Industrial Security Program provides the framework and requirements that contractors with security clearances must follow to safeguard classified information during handling, storage, and transmission, and to govern access by authorized personnel. This focus on protecting information distinguishes it from other functions like payroll, which is an HR task; export controls, which are managed under separate regimes; or determining security clearances, which are decided by government authorities. So safeguarding information entrusted to industry is the core aim.