Build the classified system for authorization—and for continued operation.
DCSA RMF readiness depends on the contract-security foundation, authoritative classification guidance, an accurate system boundary, controlled evidence, and disciplined change management.
Cleared contractors processing classified information under DCSA cognizance follow the DCSA Assessment and Authorization Guide to complete RMF and obtain information-system authorization. The DAAG is available through NISP eMASS or by request through the DCSA NISP Cybersecurity Office.
Step 1
Start with the contract-security foundation.
Classified processing begins with the facility, contract, classification guidance, approved location, responsible security roles, and DCSA direction. Confirm the DD Form 254, Security Classification Guide, authorization boundary, classification level, connectivity, users, and intended processing before designing or modifying the system.
ContractDD Form 254, classification guidance, sponsor, and performance requirements
FacilityFacility clearance, approved areas, physical protections, and access controls
RolesFSO, ISSM, ISSO, system owner, users, and government stakeholders
SystemBoundary, classification, architecture, media, connectivity, and mission use
Step 2
Prepare the people, accounts, inventories, and evidence process.
Establish the responsible security roles and access to NISP eMASS early. Build a controlled inventory of hardware, software, firmware, interfaces, media, users, privileged accounts, and locations. Define how configuration evidence, test results, risk decisions, and ongoing records will be created and protected.
Handling caution: NISP eMASS is used to manage authorization information, but DCSA states that it is not approved for storing classified information. Keep classified content out of the system and follow current DCSA guidance for package details.
Step 3
Use RMF as a lifecycle, not a one-time submission.
01
Prepare
Define stakeholders, mission, boundary, resources, and risk context.
02
Categorize
Document the system and information impact based on authoritative guidance.
03
Select
Tailor the control baseline and document overlays, inheritance, and parameters.
04
Implement
Configure the system and document how each requirement is satisfied.
05
Assess
Test implementation, document results, and address deficiencies.
06
Authorize
Present the risk posture and package for an authorization decision.
07
Monitor
Track change, vulnerabilities, evidence, incidents, and authorization conditions.
Step 4
Build an authorization package that is internally consistent.
The system description, architecture, inventories, control implementation, assessment results, risk documentation, and continuous-monitoring approach need to describe the same environment. Any mismatch creates avoidable questions during government review or onsite validation.
Package area
Key consistency check
System description
Mission, users, classification, location, and boundary match actual use
Architecture
Components, interfaces, data flows, and protections match inventories and controls
Control implementation
Narratives identify responsible roles, technology, evidence, and operating process
Assessment and risk
Findings, mitigations, residual risk, and decisions are traceable
Continuous monitoring
Recurring reviews align with system risk and authorization conditions
Step 5
Protect the authorization by controlling change.
Track hardware, software, firmware, users, privileges, connections, media, vulnerabilities, and configuration changes. Evaluate whether changes affect the authorization boundary, control implementation, risk posture, or government approval conditions before implementation.
DCSA RMF planning checklist
Verify against the source
Official references
Program requirements and acquisition language can change. Confirm the current solicitation, contract, authorization guidance, and official agency publications before making representations or implementation decisions.
Important: This resource is general educational guidance, not legal advice, an official assessment, or a substitute for your contract, DD Form 254, Security Classification Guide, government direction, or authorizing official.
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