Classified Research
Purdue University’s research security program has traditionally covered all aspects of research security. Recently, the United States’ research needs have adapted, and the U.S. government has found more ways for academia to be involved in applied research. Purdue’s leadership and Office of Research developed an interest in participating in these opportunities, but some of this applied research often goes beyond the scope of Purdue’s previous research security program by entering classified government programs. The Office of Research therefore established the Security Office to meet the new required needs of this area.
The Purdue Security Office oversees all activities related to research being conducted at a classified level as determined by the U.S. government whether on Purdue’s campus, or elsewhere by personnel acting on behalf of Purdue. The Security Office adheres to the rules set forth in Title 32, of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 117, or more commonly known as the National Industrial Security Program Operations Manual (NISPOM).
Purdue is audited by both internal and government authorities annually with respect to its ability to maintain the standards set forth in the NISPOM. Strict adherence to the rules is required for Purdue to maintain its ability to operate in this area.
Questions regarding the program can be sent via email to FSO@purdue.edu, or contact someone on the security team.
Training and Reporting
Training
Initial training (two options)
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CDSE STEPP (Highly recommended as it will save your training record)
- Create an account (non-DOD CAC option)
- Navigate to "DoD Initial Orientation and Awareness Training" (IF140.06)
- Complete the course and save your certificate.
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CDSE Security Awareness Hub (allows you to take the course and receive a certificate. Does not save your training record)
- Navigate to "DoD Initial Orientation and Awareness Training"
- Complete the course and save your certificate.
Annual Training (two options)
-
CDSE STEPP (Highly recommended as it will save your training record)
- Create an account (non-DOD CAC option)
- Navigate to "DoD Annual Security Awareness Refresher" (IF142.06)
- Complete the course and save your certificate.
-
CDSE Security Awareness Hub (allows you to take the course and receive a certificate. Does not save your training record)
- Navigate to "DoD Annual Security Awareness Refresher"
- Complete the course and save your certificate.
Self-Reporting
Reporting should be made to the Purdue Facility Security Officer. This can be done via email to fso@purdue.edu. Information on what should be reported can be found on this one-page factsheet.
Policies and Guidance
- 32 CFR Part 117, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)
- Purdue’s Standard Practices and Procedures
- Purdue Policy (in approval process)
Related Areas to Purdue’s Security Program
Research Security Office – The office responsible for all research related security as it pertains to any unclassified research. This could include, but is not limited to, export controlled research, controlled unclassified information (CUI) and even aspects fundamental research.
International Travel – Travelling can be a vulnerability to those working in secure areas and on secure topics. Questions or concerns regarding upcoming or past travel can be provided to the security office via FSO@purdue.edu.
- Purdue’s best practices for international travel
- Purdue’s Office of Risk Management’s International Travel Guide
- Federal Travel Guidance
The National Security Team


James Fisher
Security Officer

Mann Hall
Room 243
203 S Martin Jischke Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47907