The Office of Technology Security and Export Control (TSEC) provides support to policy formulation, guidance, and issuance with respect to exportation of NSA technology. We are here to ensure protection of SIGINT and Information Assurance sensitive technologies while executing Department of Defense and Department of State processes supporting U.S. business opportunities in the global marketplace and the multinational partnerships that today's war fighter depends on.
The primary activities in the TSEC Office include export licensing of technology and information controlled by the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR)/United States Munitions List (USML) and Export Administration Regulation (EAR) for Dual Use cases, issuance of ITAR Exemption Letters and Exception Letters, Foreign Military Sales oversight, and processing of Exceptions to National Disclosure Policy (ENDP) and impact assessment of unauthorized exports, releases, and disclosures.
Here are some frequently asked questions and tips to help determine your way forward.
The USML is a list of items deemed to be defense articles or services under the Arms Export Control Act. Of primary interest to NSA are:
Contractors are generally authorized to export on NSA's behalf either through the ITAR export licensing process or the NSA ITAR exemption/exception process.
Contractors supporting SIGINT or Information Assurance programs seeking export authority through the ITAR licensing process must register with the U.S. Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). They may submit export applications at the unclassified level electronically to the Department of State, any documentation above SECRET will be transmitted by TSEC to the Department of State. All export license applications, must be coordinated and approved by TSEC, prior to submittal. Contact us if you need advice on the proper processes to achieve your export related objectives to include sending or taking defense articles out of the US, providing technical data to foreign nationals, or performing a defense service for the benefit of a foreign person or if you have any other export related questions. We can be reached at 301-688-6629.