Headquarters Information Security Program
Office of Headquarters Security Operations

HSO SPOTLIGHT No. 017-2008: Accountable Classified Removable Electronic Media (ACREM)

The Office of Independent Oversight, within the Office of Health, Safety and Security (HSS), conducted a recent security inspection of DOE Headquarters. The inspection evaluated the performance of responsible Headquarters Elements across the spectrum of protection related topical areas including Classified Matter Protection and Control (CMPC). One item noted was the need to reemphasize the requirement that the ACREM check out and transfer process between ACREM custodians, alternate ACREM custodians, and users is performance tested.

DOE M 470-4.4, “Information Security,” Section A, Paragraph 4.c.(1)(b) states, “A formal and documented ACREM check out and transfer process must be implemented to record all ACREM transfers between ACREM custodians, alternate ACREM custodians and users. This process must be performance tested to ensure its effectiveness and must include:

• Return of ACREM checked out from its normal storage location to its normal storage location at the close of the work shift...
• Personal responsibility for the ACREM by the individual who checked it out (has it formally transferred to his/her control) until it is formally returned to its approved storage repository...
• Training for all affected employees regarding ACREM procedures.”

Effective immediately, the following ACREM Performance Testing Procedures will be implemented:

1. ACREM performance testing of ACREM custodians, alternate custodians and ACREM users will be conducted every six months by any of the following personnel:
• assigned organizational HSO; or
• Other knowledgeable person appointed by the HSO; or
• a representative from the Headquarters Survey Program.

2. At a minimum, the ACREM performance testing will consist of the following:
• Review of ACREM training records to ensure all ACREM custodial personnel and ACREM users have received ACREM training
• Physically locate/validate that the ACREM log accurately records who has control of a random sampling of ACREM at any given time
• Interview randomly selected ACREM custodians and users regarding their knowledge of the proper transfer, use, handling, and storage of ACREM. Some examples of questions that might be asked are:
• Who is your ACREM Custodian and alternate custodian?
• Can you store ACREM in your safe overnight?
• Describe the process you use when reproducing ACREM.
• When is permission required from the Cognizant Security Authority (CSA) to reproduce ACREM?
• What are the requirements for annotating the SF 700 when using a security container with an XO-series lock for storing ACREM?

3. ACREM Performance Testing records shall be maintained by the individual conducting the performance testing. A copy of the performance testing record must also be forwarded to the assigned organizational HSO to be maintained with his or her HSO records.

The Headquarters Facilities Master Security Plan, Section 21, “Storing and Handling Classified Electronic Media” will be revised in the future to reflect this ACREM Performance Testing requirement.

If you have any questions regarding this HSO Spotlight, please contact the Information Security Program at
301-903-9990.