What entity establishes industrial security programs within the NISP?

The establishment of industrial security programs within the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) is the responsibility of the Cognizant Security Agencies. These agencies are designated by the federal government to oversee and implement security measures and policies for companies that handle classified information. Their role includes providing guidance, conducting facility clearance reviews, and ensuring compliance with security regulations.

Cognizant Security Agencies are essential in tailoring security requirements to the specific needs of the facilities they oversee, considering factors such as the nature of the classified work and the potential threats to national security. This direct oversight ensures that industrial facilities are not only compliant with federal security standards but also vigilant against security risks associated with their operations.

Other entities, such as the Industrial Security Office, may operate within the framework established by the Cognizant Security Agencies, but they do not have the authority to create these programs. The National Security Council, while important in national security matters, does not directly establish industrial security programs, and the Department of Justice's focus is generally on legal enforcement rather than industrial security program establishment. Hence, Cognizant Security Agencies are the primary entities responsible for establishing and maintaining security programs under the NISP.