Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information (CNWDI) Briefing

by Andrew Parker

CRITICAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS DESIGN
INFORMATION (CNWDI) BRIEFING

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

CNWDI is TOP SECRET RESTRICTED DATA or SECRET RESTRICTED DATA that reveals the theory of operation or design of the components of a thermonuclear or implosion-type fission bomb, warhead, demolition munition or test device. Specifically excluded is information concerning arming, fusing, and firing systems; limited life components; and total contained quantities of fissionable, fusionable, and high explosive materials by type. Due to the sensitivity of this information, the special requirements listed below have been established.

PERSONNEL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

• A final DSS SECRET or TOP SECRET Personnel (Security) Clearance (PCL) is required for access to CNWDI.

DISCLOSURE

• Clearance level, CNWDI access, and “need-to-know” must be established before disclosing this information.
• Employees must not disclose CNWDI to subcontractors or consultants without the prior written approval of the contracting activity. This approval may be included in a DD Form 254, other contract-related document, or by separate correspondence.

MARKINGS

• In addition to other markings required by the “National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual” (NISPOM), classified material containing CNWDI must be marked:

1. “Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information - DoD Directive 5210.2 Applies” on the cover or the first page.
2. “CNWDI” on the cover, the title page, the lead page, and the back cover of all documents.
3. “(N)” or “(CNWDI)” following the classification in each section, part, paragraph or similar portion of a classified document. For example, “TS(RD)(N)” or “TS(RD)(CNWDI)” portion markings signify that the information is TOP SECRET Restricted Data Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information.
   

TRANSMISSION

1. Transmission is authorized only to the contracting activity or to a subcontractor/consultant unless included in a DD Form 254, other contract-related document, or by separate correspondence. Any other transmission must be approved by the contracting activity.
2. Prior to transmission to another cleared facility, the DSS/CVA must be contacted for verification that the facility has been authorized access to CNWDI.

A) When CNWDI material is transmitted to another facility, the inner wrapping must be addressed to the personal attention of the FSO or his/her alternate.

B) In addition to any other prescribed markings, the inner wrapping must be marked, “Critical Nuclear Weapon Design Information - DoD Directive 5210.2 Applies.”

Transmissions addressed to the contracting activity or other U.S. Government agency shall have this same marking on the inner wrapping.

Please Note: Specific contracts with CNWDI information may require additional requirements for storage, destruction and/or markings. Consult with your Security Representative for additional information.

SECURITY BRIEFING CERTIFICATE

1. I acknowledge that I have been authorized to receive or hold Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information, which is a DoD category of TOP SECRET Restricted Data or SECRET Restricted revealing the theory of operation or design of the components of a thermonuclear or implosion-type fission bomb, warhead, demolition munition, or test device. Specifically excluded is information concerning arming, fusing and firing systems; limited life components; and total contained quantities of fissionable, fusionable, and highly explosive materials by type. Among these excluded items are the components which DoD personnel set, maintain, operate, test, or replace.
2. I understand that when I have a change in my assignment or a change in my status, which will render it no longer necessary for me to receive Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information, I will execute the debriefing certificate in order that my name may be removed from the list of personnel authorized access to this information.
3. I appreciate that the Security of Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information is of a paramount importance, and that the disclosure of such information could cause exceptionally grave danger to the United States. I will not discuss with or disclose to any person Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information, unless that person is currently authorized access to such information, and has the need-to-know.
   

I certify that I have read and understand the above information, and agree to comply with the requirements that have been set forth.

PRINT FULL NAME (Employee)	SIGNATURE
⁠ ⁠ ⁠	⁠ ⁠ ⁠
POSITION / TITLE	DATE
⁠ ⁠ ⁠	⁠ ⁠ ⁠
REASON CNWDI ACCESS IS REQUIRED
⁠ ⁠ ⁠

CLEARANCE LEVEL	DATE OF CLEARANCE
⁠ ⁠ ⁠	⁠ ⁠ ⁠

BRIEFING OFFICER - PRINT NAME	SIGNATURE	DATE
⁠ ⁠ ⁠	⁠ ⁠ ⁠	⁠ ⁠ ⁠

CNWDI SECURITY DEBRIEFING CERTIFICATE

1. I am aware that I am no longer authorized to receive or hold Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information.
2. Previous to the obligation which I incurred at the time of being authorized access to this information, I reaffirm that I will never hereafter divulge or discuss such information which I have acquired as an authorized recipient, unless required to do so by a competent authority.

I certify that I have read and understand the above debriefing declaration and agree to comply with the requirements that have been set forth.

EMPLOYEE (PRINT NAME)	SIGNATURE	DATE
⁠ ⁠ ⁠	⁠ ⁠ ⁠	⁠ ⁠ ⁠

CRITICAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS DESIGN
INFORMATION (CNWDI)
INFORMATION FOR THE BRIEFER

NISPOM BRIEFING REQUIREMENTS

The NISPOM provides straightforward guidance on the topics to be covered in the briefing: the definition of CNWDI, a reminder of the sensitivity of the information, and an explanation of each employee’s responsibility for safeguarding CNWDI and limiting its circulation. Any special local requirements specified by contract such as storage, destruction, or markings also need to be discussed.

The security briefer should supplement his or her oral presentation with a written summary of the information covered. A single sheet handout covering the topics discussed should be sufficient. The NISPOM requires that each briefed individual sign a CNWDI security-briefing certificate that should restate the main briefing points.

When an employee no longer requires access to CNWDI, he or she must be debriefed. The debriefing should cover the purpose of the debriefing, a discussion of the serious nature of CNWDI and the need for caution.

NATURE OF INFORMATION

It is important to safeguard CNWDI, because acquisition of this information by some nations or groups could threaten U.S. interests. If nuclear weapons technology were acquired by hostile nations or terrorist organizations, the threat to world peace and American lives could reach catastrophic proportions. Because of the sensitivity of CNWDI, only personnel who have an established need-to-know and who have a final TOP SECRET or SECRET security clearance may be granted access, and the number of these individuals must be kept to an absolute minimum. CNWDI may not be released or made available to any employee until the above requirements and certifications have been fully satisfied.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

Additional topics addressed by the NISPOM include markings, subcontractors, and transmission.

Marking Requirements

For DoD contractors, in addition to other required markings, CNWDI material should be clearly marked as “Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information - DoD Directive 5210.2 Applies” on the cover or the first page, at a minimum. More detailed marking information and examples may need to be given to employees.

Access Requirements

Employees must not disclose CNWDI to subcontractors or consultants without the prior written approval of the contracting activity.

Transmission Procedures

Transmission of CNWDI is authorized only for the contracting activity, a subcontractor, or a consultant approved by the contracting activity. The procedures for transmission spelled out in the NISPOM should be noted, and any company-specific requirements or modifications detailed.