International Programs Security Requirements
On-Line Computer Based Training
IPSR-OL

Objective

In October 1999, the Deputy Secretary of Defense directed that every Department of Defense (DoD) employee who is involved in international programs would receive training in the security arrangements that protect sensitive and classified U.S. technology and military capabilities, and the laws, policies and procedures that govern foreign involvement in DoD programs.  The new DoD Directive 5230.20, Visits, Assignments, and Exchanges of Foreign Nationals, signed June 22, 2005, reiterates this requirement in its Policy section.  Section 4.12 of DoDD 5230.20 states, All DoD personnel responsible for negotiating, overseeing, managing, executing or otherwise participating in international activities shall successfully complete one or more of the courses required by Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum dated October 22, 1999.   This mandatory training requirement for international programs security can be satisfied by one of the following courses:  The IPSR-OL course described below; graduation from the IPSR course, and the DISAM SAM-C or DISAM SCM-O  courses as of October 2000. 

Course Description

The International Programs Security Requirements Course On-Line (IPSR-OL) course covers the principles and procedures that facilitate international technology transfer, export controls, and foreign disclosure.  Specific lessons discuss the acquisition process for international program security, controlled unclassified and foreign government information the National Disclosure Policy and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  The export approval and license process is covered along with the role of the Defense Security Service (DSS).  Other topics include visits and assignments of foreign nationals, Multinational Industrial Security Working Group (MISWG) documents, Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI), and the transfer of classified information.

IPSR-OL is an on-line distance learning course containing 12 lessons.  Lessons are divided into short segments varying in length.  During each lesson, students can play a lesson from start to finish, but may also use navigation features to go directly to any specific area in a lesson.  The course has a built-in e-mail link to the DISAM faculty, which will allow student communication with the instructor in the event a student has a question or concern about the material.

Students may register for the course at any time and progress at their own speed.  The course is equivalent to 24 hours of classroom time.  It includes a midterm and final timed “open book” exam and a course evaluation.  Students are required to achieve a minimum score of 70 percent on both the midterm and final exams.  This course earns  continuous learning points for members of the defense acquisition work force.  Registered students may take the course during duty hours or at home, depending on their supervisor’s guidance and their personal preference. 

International Affairs Certification Program (IACP)

The Department of Defense International Affairs, Certification Program Guidelines dated 28 April 2008, set forth standardized certification guidelines for the International Affairs Certification Program (IACP). Workforce members are required to meet the mandatory standards of education, training, and experience in order to achieve each of three levels of certification. Certification is not required for filling IA positions, but it does readily identify those individuals who have completed specific training, education, and experience thresholds. Certification is available to military and civilian personnel.  For more information click here. This course is a Level I.

Computer System Requirements

1.               A PC running Macintosh and UNIX operating systems are not supported), or newer systems.

2.              A broadband internet connection (i.e. DSL/cable).  Dial-up connection is NOT recommended because of bandwidth.

3.              Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher (or a compatible browser) with JavaScript enabled.

4.               A monitor capable of 800 X 600 resolutions or better.

5.               *Adobe Acrobat Reader, latest version.

6.               *Macromedia Flash Player version 6 or higher.

7.              Windows 95/98/ME with 64 Mb RAM or Windows 2000/NT with 128 Mb RAM (Macintosh).

            *Links to a free download are available within the course.  Administrator privileges may be required to download this software for Windows NT4, Windows 2000, and Windows XP operating systems.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is limited to U.S. government employees (civilian and military) and U.S. defense industry personnel.  In all cases, students must be U.S. citizens and programmed for or assigned to positions with responsibility for an international program.

Applying for Admission

U.S. government personnel.  There is no course fee for U.S. government employees with a need-to-know.  U.S. government personnel should submit the on-line registration form.

U.S. defense industry personnel. U.S. citizens and U.S. persons (as defined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Section §120.15) representing the U.S. defense industry companies are admitted on a first come, first served basis upon receipt of a request for admission.  There is no course fee for U.S. Industry employees with a need-to-know.  U.S. industry personnel should submit the on-line registration form.

A DD Form 1556 is not required for this course.

Course Offering

Registration and enrollment occurs continuously throughout the year.  Students apply on-line and may begin the course as soon as DISAM validates their eligibility.

Security Clearance

None required.

Syllabus

International Programs Security Requirements Course Overview.  This introductory session covers the organization of the course, including an explanation of how the course material is to be used, and identifies the objectives of the course, history and importance of DoD international programs.  It also covers the types of programs to be covered during the course, the legal and regulatory basis for those programs, and the key players. 

International Programs Security Basics.  This lesson covers the laws and national policies that form the basis for the security requirements for most DoD international programs.  It also covers basic security principles that must be understood to properly safeguard sensitive military information. 

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Foreign Government Information (FGI). This lesson covers the types of information that usually are involved in international programs, Controlled Unclassified Information and Foreign Government Information.  The basis for protecting the information is explained, and protection measures are discussed. 

 

The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  This lesson explains the legal and regulatory process governing the export of classified and unclassified defense articles and services under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the ITAR.  Specific topics include ITAR definitions, licensing requirements, exemptions and violations. 

 

National Disclosure Policy (NDP).  This lesson emphasizes that the NDP is derived from requirements set forth in the Arms Export Control Act, Executive Order 12958, National Security Decision Memorandum 119, and provides the framework for making foreign disclosure decisions on CUI and Classified Military Information (CMI) and material.  This lesson will also look at the content of the security agreements and specifically how security principles, terms, and conditions are applied in international programs in order to obtain a commitment by foreign governments on the proper protection of CUI and CMI. 

Visits and Assignments of Foreign Nationals.  This lesson covers visits and assignments of foreign nationals to DoD organizations and to contractor facilities, and visits by the contractor personnel abroad. 

The Lifecycle Process and How Security Supports that Process.  This lesson will describe how various security and technology transfer requirements support system acquisition management and milestone decisions, and support security and disclosure/export decisions during the life of a system.  The lesson is a transition into how the acquisition lifecycle process relates to the Program Protection Planning that will be covered in the next lesson.    

Systems Life Cycle Process and Security Support.  This lesson stresses the close relationship between the four security related documents that are required during the systems acquisition process (Cooperative Opportunities Document (COD), Program Protection Plan (PPP), Technology Assessment/Control Plan (TA/CP), and the Delegation of Disclosure Authority Letter (DDL). 

Multinational Industrial Security Working Group (MISWG) and the MISWG Documents.  This lesson describes the MISWG, the composition of the MISWG, and its documents and their use. 

 

Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI).  This lesson provides an overview of legislation which governs acquisition, mergers, takeovers, and other transactions where a foreign interest would be in a controlling position with respect to a U.S. company performing work that is critical to U.S national security.  Ways to negate or mitigate these situations are covered.

 

The National Industrial Security Program and the Defense Security Service’s (DSS) Role in International Programs.  This lesson covers the role of the DSS in international programs.  DSS provides support to international programs involving defense contractors by providing security guidance and ensuring compliance with national and DoD policies and international agreements. 

International Transfers of Classified Material.   This lesson describes the procedures and responsibilities for the transfer of classified material as the result of Commercial and United States Government (USG) sales.

End-of-Course Test.  Timed, submitted and graded on-line.

Course Evaluation.  Submitted on-line after completion of all course work.

Course Certificate.  A graduation certificate will be sent out by the DISAM registration office within five (5) working days of course completion.

Revised: 07/17/2009