Office of the Secretary, DoD/Joint Staff

DWHS E05

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SYSTEM NAME:

Mandatory Declassification Review Files  (October 30, 2014,  79 FR 64584)

SYSTEM LOCATION:

Records and Declassification Division, Executive Services Directorate, 6564 Loisdale Court, Springfield, VA 22150-1827.

CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM:

Individuals requesting Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) or appealing a MDR determination for access to records and information within the scope of the Offices of the Secretary of Defense (OSD).

CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:

Requester’s name, address, level of security clearance, source (organization of requester), source case number (if applicable), classification, received date, page numbers, OSD MDR case number and subject of the request.

AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM:

E.O. 13526, Classified National Security Information; 32 CFR 2001.33, Mandatory Review for Declassification; and DoD Instruction 5200.01, DoD Information Security Program and Protection of Sensitive Compartmented Information.

PURPOSE(S):

To process requests and/or appeals from individuals for the mandatory review of classified documents for the purposes of releasing declassified material to the public; and to provide a research resource of historical data on release of records to ensure consistency in subsequent actions.  Data developed from this system is used for the annual report required by the applicable Executive Order(s) governing classified National Security Information.  This data also serves management needs, by providing information about the number of requests; the type or category of records required; and the average processing time.

ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES OF USERS AND THE PURPOSES OF SUCH USES:

In addition to those disclosures generally permitted under 5 U.S.C. 552a(b) of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, the records contained herein may specifically be disclosed outside the DoD as a routine use pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(b)(3) as follows:

To the National Archives and Records Administration, Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel (ISCAP) for the purpose of complying with Executive Order 13526, to review administrative agency policies, procedures and to facilitate ISCAP offering of mediation services to resolve disputes between persons making Mandatory Declassification Review requests and administrative agencies.

The DoD Blanket Routine Uses set forth at the beginning of the OSD’s compilation of systems of records notices may apply to this system.

POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORING, RETRIEVING, ACCESSING, RETAINING, AND DISPOSING OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:


STORAGE:

Paper records in file folders and electronic storage media.

RETRIEVABILITY:

Retrieved by name of requester and other pertinent information, such as organization or address, subject material describing the MDR item (including date), OSD MDR case number using computer indices, referring agency, or any combination of fields.

SAFEGUARDS:

All classified material is stored in a Defense Security Service approved closed area which has a spin dial combination-lock, and requires badge and pin access.  Paper records are maintained in security containers with access limited to officials having a need-to-know based on their assigned duties.  All records are protected in accordance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual and only accessed by individuals that have a need-to-know based on their clearance and assigned duties.

RETENTION AND DISPOSAL:

Case files documenting requests for declassification are destroyed 10 years after resolution of request.

SYSTEM MANAGER(S) AND ADDRESS:

Chief, Records and Declassification Division, Executive Services Directorate, 4800 Mark Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 20350-3200.

NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE:

Individuals seeking to determine whether information about themselves is contained in this system of records should address written inquiries to Chief, Records and Declassification Division, Executive Services Directorate, 4800 Mark Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 20350-3200.

Written requests should include the individual's name and address of the individual at the time the record would have been created.

RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURES:

Individuals seeking access to information about themselves contained in this system of records should address written inquiries to the Office of the Secretary of Defense/Joint Staff, Freedom of Information Act Requester Service Center, Office of Freedom of Information, 1155 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-1155.

Signed, written requests should include the name and number of this system of records notice along with the individual's name and address of the individual at the time the record would have been created.

CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES:

The Office of the Secretary of Defense rules for accessing records, for contesting contents and appealing initial agency determinations are published in Office of the Secretary of Defense Administrative Instruction 81; 32 CFR part 311; or may be obtained from the system manager.

RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES:

Individual.

EXEMPTIONS CLAIMED FOR THE SYSTEM:

Information classified under E.O. 12958, as implemented by DoD 5200.1-R, may be exempt pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(1).

An exemption rule for this system has been promulgated in accordance with requirements of 5 U.S.C. 552(d), and published in 32 CFR part 311.8.  For additional information contact the system manager.

FEDERAL REGISTER HISTORY:

October 28, 2011, 76 FR 66916; October 30, 2014, 79 FR 64584