Who is ultimately responsible for compliance with NISP regulations at a facility?

The Facility Security Officer (FSO) is ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with NISP regulations at a facility. This role is critical because the FSO is specifically designated to oversee the implementation and adherence to security measures required for classified information protection as outlined in the National Industrial Security Program (NISP). The FSO acts as the primary point of contact between the facility and the government, ensuring that all security protocols are followed, training is conducted, and any incidents are reported properly.

In this context, while the Chief Executive Officer has ultimate responsibility for the organization's overall compliance and operations, the FSO is the individual with the specific duties tied to security regulations and classified information handling. The Information Technology Manager may have responsibilities concerning cybersecurity but does not encompass the full breadth of physical and personnel security oversight required under NISP. Similarly, the Security Clearinghouse, while a useful resource, does not hold direct responsibility for compliance at the facility level. The FSO's targeted expertise and authority make them the designated figure for upholding NISP standards within the facility.