CUI Considerations for Today's Businesses

 

The Department of Defense (DoD) specifies the handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in many forms across various operations. CUI includes sensitive information that requires safeguarding but does not meet the criteria for classification as ‘Classified’ information. Examples of DoD CUI may include:

• Export-Controlled Information: Information that is subject to export control laws and regulations, such as technical data related to defense goods and services.

• For Official Use Only (FOUO): Information that is not classified but still requires protection from unauthorized disclosure due to official government use.

• Critical Infrastructure Information (CII): Details about critical infrastructure elements like facilities, systems, networks, and assets that are essential for national security, economy, or public health.

• Privacy Information: Personal information of individuals (e.g., Social Security numbers, medical records) that needs protection under multiple privacy laws and regulations.

• Sensitive but Unclassified (SBU) Information: Information that, although unclassified, is sensitive and requires protection due to its potential impact if disclosed.

• Contract-related Information: Non-public details within contracts, such as proprietary information, financial data, or technical specifications.

• Proprietary Information: Data owned by an entity (government, DoD, or otherwise) and protected by intellectual property rights or confidentiality agreements.

 

In today's businesses, the DoD CUI might include various sensitive details related to processes, materials, or specifications used in national defense-related applications. Here are some potential examples of DoD CUI:

• Material Specifications: Specifications used in defense equipment, weapons systems, or components. This could include details about specific alloys, tempering, or hardening processes required for certain applications.

• Process Documentation: Detailed procedures and technical information regarding processes employed in the production of defense-related materials or components. This might involve specific temperature ranges, cooling rates, or other proprietary methods. 

• Quality Control Data: Information related to quality control measures specific to today's businesses in defense-related service-based manufacturing. This could involve data on testing methodologies, inspection techniques, or standards compliance for materials used in critical defense systems.

• Research and Development (R&D) Information: Research findings, experimental data, or proprietary knowledge related to advancements in specific technologies tailored for defense applications. This may include innovative methods for enhancing material properties, durability, or performance in defense systems.

• Supplier Information: Details about suppliers (including your customers and outside vendors) providing services or materials to the defense industry, including contractual agreements, proprietary processes, or specifications specific to DoD projects.

• Cybersecurity Measures: Information about cybersecurity measures employed within today's businesses that handle DoD contracts or projects to safeguard sensitive data from cyber threats.

• Facility Security Protocols: Details regarding security protocols, access controls, and clearance requirements within today's businesses handling defense-related projects to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

 

Other items (paper or digital) that may be identified as CUI that are provided by the DoD or generated in support of fulfilling a DoD contract or order includes, but is not limited to: 

• Contract Information

• Research and engineering data

• Engineering drawings & lists

• Technical reports

• Technical data packages

• Design analysis

• Specifications

• Test reports

• Technical orders

• Cybersecurity plan

• IP addresses, nodes, links

• Standards

• Process sheets

• Manuals

• Data sets

• Studies & analyses and related information

• Computer software executable code and source code

• Contract deliverable requirements list (CDRL)

• Financial records

• Conformance reports

 

Here are several examples of items that might NOT typically fall under DoD CUI:

• General Industry Standards: Information related to commonly accepted industry standards, processes, or procedures that are widely available and not specific to defense-related applications.

• Non-Proprietary Manufacturing Techniques: Basic information about standard methods or techniques that are publicly known and not proprietary to a particular organization or application within the defense sector.

• Publicly Available Research: Scientific or technical research findings, publications, or data that are publicly accessible, not subject to proprietary rights, and not specifically tied to defense-related advancements.

• Commonly Shared Best Practices: Information regarding widely accepted best practices that do not involve proprietary or classified techniques applicable solely to defense-related materials or components.

• Non-Sensitive Business Operations: Routine business operations, administrative documents, or general non-sensitive communications within businesses that do not pertain to defense contracts or projects.

• Information Approved for Public Release: Data that has been officially approved for public release by the DoD or other relevant authorities, ensuring it does not contain sensitive or classified details.

• Basic Material Specifications: Information about materials, alloys, and processes widely used in commercial applications and not specifically tailored or modified for defense-related purposes.

 

Additional DoD CUI General Information:

• A short basic free training course that is recommended for anyone handling CUI:

  • https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/cui/index.html

• General CUI Information:

  • https://www.dodcui.mil/

• CUI Resources:

  • https://www.dcsa.mil/Portals/128/Documents/CTP/CUI/DoD%20CUI%20ResourcesU.pdf