NASA Procedural Requirements

NPR 1600.1A Effective Date: August 12, 2013 Expiration Date: December 12, 2028

Subject: NASA Security Program Procedural Requirements (Updated with Change 1)

Responsible Office: Office of Protective Services

Appendix D. NASA National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Actions

D.1 The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) replaces the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS). This new system will more effectively communicate information about terrorist threats by providing timely, detailed information to the public, Government agencies, first responders, airports and other transportation hubs, and the private sector.

D.2 NTAS alerts are based on the nature of the threat. In some cases, alerts are sent directly to law enforcement or affected areas of the private sector, while in others, alerts are issued more broadly to the American people through both official and media channels.

D.3 NTAS alerts contain a sunset provision indicating a specific date when the alert expires; there will not be a constant NTAS alert or blanket warning that there is an overarching threat. If threat information changes for an alert, the Secretary of Homeland Security may announce an updated NTAS alert. All changes, including the announcement that cancels an NTAS alert, will be distributed the same way as the original alert.

D.4 NTAS-No Alert, Minimum Security Measures.

D.4.1 Definition: Low risk of terrorist activity against the United States or NASA facilities or personnel.

a. Threat condition (No alert) employs every day, routine security measures determined by the CCPS/CCS and endorsed by the Center Director as being appropriate for the optimum protection of NASA assets at that Center.

b. The program shall include security measures such as ID checks for entry, enforcing NASA policy on the wearing and display of the NASA photo-ID badge, random vehicle inspections, consistent and current mandatory security training, exercising emergency response capability; to include response to increase in threat condition, periodic security assessments of individual Centers and facilities to ensure all reasonable measures are taken to mitigate vulnerabilities.

D.5 NTAS-Elevated Threat Alert, Minimum Security Measures.

D.5.1 Definition: Warning of a credible terrorist threat against the United States.

a. Continue all No Alert minimum threat mitigation measures.

b. Advise continuously all employees of the condition, through training, briefings, and other mediums.

c. Increase general security awareness, through training, briefings, and other mediums.

d. Secure buildings, rooms, and storage areas not in regular use.

e. Increase security inspections of packages.

f. Check all deliveries at mailrooms and shipping and receiving departments.

g. Periodically test emergency communications capability with command locations.

h. Review and update emergency response plans.

i. Keep key Center personnel updated.

j. Monitor visitors.

k. Curtail special events and visitors.

l. Increase surveillance of critical locations.

m. Coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency response agencies, as required.

n. Assess the threat characteristics for further refinement of established/planned protective measures.

o. Review and implement as necessary contingency, Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP), and emergency response plans.

D.6 NTAS-Imminent Threat Alert, Minimum Security Measures.

D.6.1 Definition: Warning of a credible, specific, and impending terrorist threat against the United States or a NASA facility.

a. Continue all Elevated Threat minimum threat mitigation measures.

b. Inspect all incoming packages at a centralized receiving point.

c. Close the Center to all visitors, admit only essential visitors under escort.

d. Establish random Center checkpoints.

e. Cancel special events.

f. Perform a consent search on all entering vehicles and conduct random searches of exiting vehicles.

g. If necessary, cancel vacations for security personnel.

h. Establish additional 24-hour patrols as necessary.

i. Coordinate with local law enforcement agencies.

j. Limit entry and exit to a single point.

k. Augment security forces as necessary to ensure adequate response capability.

l. Minimize all administrative journeys and visits.

m. Frequently check the exterior of buildings and parking areas for suspicious items and activity.

n. Activate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

o. Evaluate reducing NASA personnel on Center to those deemed essential for operation or consider closing the Center, implementing telework.

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