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SPECIAL ACCESS PROGRAMS

What are Special Access Programs?

Special Access Programs (SAPs) are highly restricted, U.S. government programs that safeguard classified information with security requirements exceeding standard Secret or Top Secret protocols. They enforce a strict "need-to-know" basis, often requiring specialized, individualized access approval even for personnel with high-level clearances. SAPs protect critical national security information, such as advanced defense technology, intelligence, or special operations.

Special Access Programs were created when standard protection measures are insufficient to protect especially sensitive information. SAPs may impose additional requirements, including unique background investigations, specialized non-disclosure agreements, special access lists, and strict compartmentalization (carve-outs).

SAPs are either Acknowledged when the existence of the program is confirmed, but its details are classified, Unacknowledged when the existence of the program is itself classified, restricted to a very limited number of personnel or Waived when a highly sensitive type of unacknowledged program where, to further limit access, standard reporting requirements to Congress may be waived.

SAPs generally fall into three areas: acquisition (developing new tech), intelligence, and operations/support.

Only designated senior officials, such as the Secretaries of Defense, Energy, or Homeland Security, or the Director of National Intelligence, can create these programs.

Access is not granted automatically; individuals must be formally "read into" the program, meaning they receive a specific briefing and sign a non-disclosure agreement before seeing the material.

DOD Instruction 5201.11
Management, Administration and Oversight of DOD Special Access Programs

https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/520511p.pdf?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email