National Security Information Handbook

NSI Handbook
Security Classification
5. An OCA with jurisdiction over the information may change the level of classification
of information. Documents shall be remarked with the new classification level, the
date of the action, and the authority for the change. Changing the classification level
may also require changing portion markings for information contained within a
document. Additionally, the OCA shall update appropriate security classification
guides.
2-208 Security Classification Guides
1. Originators of classification guides should consult users for input when developing or
updating guides. When possible, originators of classification guides should
communicate within their agencies and with other agencies that are developing
guidelines for similar activities to ensure consistency and uniformity of classification
decisions. The NSI Program Team will provide a template for classification guides,
and will maintain a list of all classification guides in use within EPA.
2. Original classification decisions shall be incorporated into a classification guide.
3. Security classification guides shall:
Identify the subject matter of the classification guide
Identify the OCA by name and position, or personal identifier;
Identify an agency point-of-contact or points-of-contact for questions regarding
the classification guide
Provide the date of issuance or last review
State precisely the elements of information to be protected
State which classification level applies to each element of information, and, when
useful, specify the elements of information that are unclassified
State, when applicable, special handling caveats
State a concise reason for classification
Prescribe a specific date or event for declassification
4. The Subject Matter Expert (SME) from the program office or facility is responsible
for development of the security classification guide. The guide must be submitted in
final draft form to the NSI Program Team to ensure compliance with E.O. 13526.
The NSI Program Team will forward the final draft to EPA's Office of Homeland
Security for review and processing for approval by the OCA.
5. Security classification guides will be approved in writing by the OCA authorized to
classify the information. Copies of the guides will be distributed by the originating
organization to those organizations and activities believed to be derivatively
classifying information covered by the guide or have a valid need-to-know. The
original copy of each guide shall be forwarded to the NSI Program Team for
permanent retention.
6. Guides will be revised whenever necessary to promote effective derivative
classification. When a guide is revised, computation of declassification dates will
continue to be based on the date of the original classification decision. All revisions
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