These FAQs are intended to provide the reader with a brief overview of the Industrial Security Program (ISP) and an explanation of security requirements and implications related to CLASSIFIED / PROTECTED government contracting. CLASSIFIED / PROTECTED contracts (meaning contracts containing security requirements), of domestic or foreign government origin. Contracts of foreign origin are administered by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC). For contracts of foreign origin, administration by PWGSC is obligatory.

The Canadian and International Industrial Security Directorate (CIISD) is the unit of the Department through which advice on industrial security matters should be sought. CIISD monitors private sector for compliance with government security regulations as well as international industrial security MOUs throughout the life of CLASSIFIED / PROTECTED contracts.

The Industrial Security Manual (ISM) provides definitive guidance and answers to questions raised in the FAQs and other aspects of Government Industrial Security.