To embed, copy and paste the code into your website or blog: On December 21, 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security published a Final Rule codifying the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)—currently published as part of DoD Manual 5220.22-M—in Title 34, Part 117 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The Final Rule became effective on February 24, 2021. As many readers are likely aware, the NISPOM plays a key role in the National Industrial Security Program (NISP), the Government’s program for protecting classified information along with specific economic and technological data. See E.O. 12829 (Jan. 6, 1993) (establishing the NISP and ordering the Secretary of Defense to issue and maintain the NISPOM). In practice, the NISPOM establishes requirements and procedures for the protection of classified information disclosed to or developed by contractors (in addition to similar information disclosed to or developed by licensees, grantees, or certificate holders). Since 1995, the NISPOM has been part of DoD Manual 5220.22-M. The Final Rule relocates the NISPOM from DOD 5220.22-M and codifies it at 34 C.F.R. § 117.