DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

SPECIAL ACCESS PROGRAM OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

INFORMATION BULLETIN -- NOVEMBER 1994

POLICY PERSPECTIVE

On January 5th, 1994, the Deputy Secretary of Defense (DEPSECDEF) significantly enhanced changes in the DoD Special Access Program (SAP) management and control structures. This newsletter highlights those changes. The plan standardized and formalized the SAP approval, termination, revalidation and restructuring process through the Special Access Program Oversight Committee (SAPOC). A Senior Review Group (SRG) was established to support the SAPOC principals. All SAPs are briefed to the SAPOC, chaired by the DEPSECDEF, after being processed by the SRG and the appropriated central offices.

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SAP POLICY

All SAPs will be reviewed and validated annually for continued SAP status by the OSD SAPOC. The review takes a comprehensive look at cost, schedule, performance and validates the need for continued compartmentation or restructuring to another SAP, a collateral program or termination. The review also provides an avenue to ensure reciprocity and eliminates redundancy in similar programs. The DEPSECDEF is the final decision maker in establishing, disestablishing or restructuring SAPs.

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SAPOC FUNCTIONS

The SAPOC provides departmental oversight and management over all DoD SAPs; monitors programs to ensure compliance with law, regulations, policies and procedures, and ensures required information is provided to the Congress.

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SAPOC MEMBERSHIP

The SAPOC is chaired by the Honorable John Deutch, DEPSECDEF, with permanent members the Honorable Paul Kaminski USD(A&T), the Honorable Walter Slocombe USD(P), ADM William A. Owens, VCJCS, and the Honorable Emmett Paige Jr., ASD(C3I). BGEN Mike Kostelnik, OUSD(A&T), serves as both member and executive secretary to the SAPOC in his capacity as director of the SAPCO (SAP Coordinating Office). SAPOC membership is not further delegable. Others may be invited by the Chairman when needed; such as the General Counsel, the Comptroller, the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict), Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs or the Director, Program Analysis & Evaluation.

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THE SRG

The Senior Review Group (SRG) provides the principle support to the SAPOC. It is composed of senior leadership (non-delegable) from USD(P), USD(A&T), VCJCS, and ASD(C3I). Members are Mr. Lin Wells (DTUSD(P)PS), BGEN Mike Kostelnik (OUSD(A&T)), Mr. John Elliff (OASD C3I), and RADM Charles (Bill) Moore (J-33), and Mr. Dick Williams, Deputy Director of the SAPCO, provides staff support. All SAPs are briefed to the SRG prior to presentation to the SAPOC. Basically, the SRG is a "working level" group that reviews all SAPs prior to the SAPOC briefing. Program Managers provide detailed briefings to the SRG regarding potential questions or concerns that might be addressed during the SAPOC.

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THE SAPCO

The SAPCO director and deputy serve as the primary staff support to the SAPOC. The SAPCO serves as the primary point of contact with Congress, the National Security Council, and other government agencies. The Director of the SAPCO is BGEN Mike Kostelnik, Director, Special Programs, (OUSD(A&T)) and Deputy SAPCO is Mr. Dick Williams, Director, Special Programs, (OUSD(P)). Both perform matrix support as the Executive Secretary and Deputy Secretary to the SAPOC.

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