What is the purpose of E.O. 12829 in the context of industrial security?

• A. Establishes the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) for safeguarding classified information entrusted to industry and applies government-wide
• B. Establishes DoD-only rules for industrial security
• C. Provides guidelines for private security companies
• D. Creates standards for facility management

Answer: (A)

Executive Order 12829 creates a nationwide framework for protecting classified information entrusted to private industry. It established the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) and extended its safeguards across all federal agencies, so contractors and subcontractors follow a uniform set of security requirements no matter which agency handles the work. This government-wide scope is why this option is the best choice—it isn’t limited to DoD, it isn’t about private security companies, and it isn’t merely about general facility management standards. The NISP, implemented through the NISPOM, covers how classified material is handled, stored, transmitted, and safeguarded in industry settings.