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Special Access Program (SAP) Overview Questions with
Answers (100% Correct Answers)
SAP definition in simplest terms Answer: A classified program with
enhanced safeguarding and access requirements
Executive Order 13526 definition of SAP Answer: A program established
for a specific class of classified information that imposes safeguarding
and access requirements exceeding those normally required for
information at the same classification level
When SAPs are established Answer: When the program is required by
statute, or upon the finding of exceptional vulnerability of, or threat to,
specific information, and if the normal criteria for determining access to
information classified at the same level are insufficient
SAP levels of classified information Answer: Top secret, secret, and
confidential
Require an assigned nickname and/or codeword and identification of
any special handling procedures
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SAPs in the 1980s Answer: Were called "Black Programs" which were
generally restricted to protecting DOD acquisition programs. Called
that due to the fact they were close-held to where people were
unaware of their existence
During the 1990s, they were officially called Special Access Programs
and modified protection to also include intelligence programs and
operations and support programs
Misperceptions of SAPs Answer: 1. SAPs are used as a means to hide
money spent on certain programs (They are used to ensure the security
and accountability of a specific project is maintained to the highest
level)
2. SAPs are used to avoid taxpayer scrutiny (Taxpayer understanding
and awareness is often a key to an acknowledged program's success)
3. Believed to lack Congressional oversight (Congressional oversight
increased significantly and now requires reports on every DOD SAP be
submitted to Congress annually)
Importance of SAPs Answer: 1. Protect technology breakthroughs and
ensure the U.S. maintains its leading technological edge
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, 3
2. Ensure once we discover and exploit an adversary's vulnerabilities,
the knowledge of the exploitation remains secure and the adversary
does not develop a countermeasure
3. Ensure sensitive operational plans are completed without disclosure
4. Protect intelligence information
Protecting SAPs Answer: SAPs employ enhanced security measures
beyond those required in baseline regulations and directives
1. Number of personnel who have access to a SAP is kept to an
absolute minimum
2. If an individual will not materially and directly contribute to a SAP,
that person is not authorized access. Access to SAPs is not granted on
a convenience basis
3. Records of individuals who have or have had access to a SAP are
maintained. Record-keeping capability that far exceeds what is required
for collateral programs
4. Need-to-know a key piece of maintaining the security of SAPs
© 2025 All rights reserved
Special Access Program (SAP) Overview Questions with
Answers (100% Correct Answers)
SAP definition in simplest terms Answer: A classified program with
enhanced safeguarding and access requirements
Executive Order 13526 definition of SAP Answer: A program established
for a specific class of classified information that imposes safeguarding
and access requirements exceeding those normally required for
information at the same classification level
When SAPs are established Answer: When the program is required by
statute, or upon the finding of exceptional vulnerability of, or threat to,
specific information, and if the normal criteria for determining access to
information classified at the same level are insufficient
SAP levels of classified information Answer: Top secret, secret, and
confidential
Require an assigned nickname and/or codeword and identification of
any special handling procedures
© 2025 All rights reserved
,2
SAPs in the 1980s Answer: Were called "Black Programs" which were
generally restricted to protecting DOD acquisition programs. Called
that due to the fact they were close-held to where people were
unaware of their existence
During the 1990s, they were officially called Special Access Programs
and modified protection to also include intelligence programs and
operations and support programs
Misperceptions of SAPs Answer: 1. SAPs are used as a means to hide
money spent on certain programs (They are used to ensure the security
and accountability of a specific project is maintained to the highest
level)
2. SAPs are used to avoid taxpayer scrutiny (Taxpayer understanding
and awareness is often a key to an acknowledged program's success)
3. Believed to lack Congressional oversight (Congressional oversight
increased significantly and now requires reports on every DOD SAP be
submitted to Congress annually)
Importance of SAPs Answer: 1. Protect technology breakthroughs and
ensure the U.S. maintains its leading technological edge
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 3
2. Ensure once we discover and exploit an adversary's vulnerabilities,
the knowledge of the exploitation remains secure and the adversary
does not develop a countermeasure
3. Ensure sensitive operational plans are completed without disclosure
4. Protect intelligence information
Protecting SAPs Answer: SAPs employ enhanced security measures
beyond those required in baseline regulations and directives
1. Number of personnel who have access to a SAP is kept to an
absolute minimum
2. If an individual will not materially and directly contribute to a SAP,
that person is not authorized access. Access to SAPs is not granted on
a convenience basis
3. Records of individuals who have or have had access to a SAP are
maintained. Record-keeping capability that far exceeds what is required
for collateral programs
4. Need-to-know a key piece of maintaining the security of SAPs
© 2025 All rights reserved
