National Security System

As defined by Clinger Cohen, any telecommunications or information system operated by the United States Government, the function, operation, or use of which involves intelligence activities, cryptologic activities related to national security, the command and control of military forces, equipment that is an integral part of a weapon or weapons system, or is critical to the direct fulfillment of military or intelligence missions, and excludes any system used for routine administrative and business applications (including payroll, finance, logistics, and personnel management applications).

Any information system (including any telecommunications system) used or operated by an agency or by a contractor of an agency, or other organization on behalf of an agency, the function, operation, or use of which:
a. Involves intelligence activities;
b. Involves cryptologic activities related to national security;
c. Involves command and control of military forces;
d. Involves equipment that is an integral part of a weapon or weapons system;
e. Is critical to the direct fulfillment of military or intelligence missions, not including systems that are to be used for routine administrative and business applications (including payroll, finance, logistics, and personnel management applications); or
f. Is protected at all times by procedures established for information that have been specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive Order or an Act of Congress to be kept classified in the interest of national defense or foreign policy.

Any information system (including any telecommunications system) used or operated by an agency or by a contractor of an agency, or other organization on behalf of an agency.

(1) the function, operation, or use of which:

(a) involves intelligence activities;

(b) involves cryptologic activities related to national security;

(c) involves command and control of military forces;

(d) involves equipment that is an integral part of a weapon or weapons system; or

(e) Is critical to the direct fulfillment of military or intelligence missions; or

(2) Is protected at all times by procedures established for information that have been specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive Order or an Act of Congress to be kept classified in the interest of national defense or foreign policy.

(3) Does not include a system that is to be used for routine administrative and business applications (including payroll, finance, logistics, and personnel management applications). [44 U.S.C.3542(b)(2)]

A National Security System (NSS) is any information system (including any telecommunications system) that is used or operated by an agency, a contractor of an agency, or another organization on behalf of an agency where the use or operation involves intelligence activities, cryptologic activities related to national security, command and control of military forces, or is an integral part of a weapon or weapons system. This also encompasses systems used to support military or intelligence missions. Systems that are specifically identified within approved legislation or executive order and must be kept classified in the interest of national defense or foreign policy are also considered NSS. All U.S. Government classified networks have also been designated as NSS.