CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION

1. PURPOSE

This Manual establishes the policies and procedures that govern the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Information Security Program, including
uniform requirements and guidance for classifying, safeguarding, declassifying, and
destroying classified national security information, whether originated by or
released to USDA.

2. SCOPE

This Manual applies to all USDA mission areas, agencies, and offices and their
contractors who possess, handle, distribute, process, transmit, transport, and/or store
classified information. Individuals serving in an advisory or consultant capacity
who have been entrusted with USDA classified information are required to protect
that information according to standards commensurate with those discussed in this
Manual.

3. AUTHORITY

The authority for this guidance is derived from Executive Order 12958, as
amended; Classified National Security Information (hereafter, E.O. 12958); the
Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) Directive 1, Classified National
Security Information (NSI); and Department Regulation 3440-001, USDA
Classified National Security Program.