Abstract
Because of the potential for use as a bioterrorism agent or bioweapon, many governments have imposed strict regulations regarding the possession, use, and transfer of “select” biological agents. Consequently, much of the information surrounding the possession and use of these agents is potentially classified, and those contractors and their employees who require access to this information must receive Facility (contractor) and Personnel (employees) clearances. Both Canada and the United States (U.S.) have produced industrial security manuals—the Industrial Security Manual (ISM) (Canadian and International Industrial Security Directorate, 2004) and the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) (Defense Technical Information Center, 1995)—for use by cleared government contractors. These documents set forth the requirements, restrictions, and other safeguards that are necessary to prevent unauthorized disclosure of classified information and assets provided to or produced by private government contractors. This article compares and contrasts the requirements set forth in the ISM and the NISPOM. The results of this comparison present a valuable security management tool for private organizations that wish to engage in classified work for the Canadian, U.S., or both governments.