Lawful Government Purpose
A pro-active standard
for sharing or restricting access to CUI:
Lawful Government Purpose is any activity, mission, function, operation, or
endeavor that the U.S. Government authorizes or recognizes as within the
scope of its legal authorities or the legal authorities of non-executive
branch entities (such as state and local law enforcement).
[32 CFR 2002.4 (bb): https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/09/14/2016-21665/controlled-
unclassified-information]
1
Focus on Purpose
WHEN TO SHARE?
If access
promotes a
common project or
operation between agencies or
under a contract or agreement
with the designating agency,
then share.
WHEN TO NOT TO SHARE?
If access
harms or inhibits a
common project or
operation between agencies or
under a contract or agreement
with the designating agency,
then do not share.
Limited Dissemination Controls
NOFORN
No Foreign Dissemination
FED ONLY
Federal Employees Only
FEDCON
Federal Employees and Contractors Only
NOCON
No Dissemination to Contractors
DL ONLY
Dissemination List Controls
REL TO XXXX
Authorized for release to certain
nationals only
DISPLAY ONLY
Display Only
Authorized Holders
apply
Limited
Dissemination
Controls –
to promote a
Lawful
Government
Purpose;
only
Authorized Holders
may apply
ISOO-approved
Limited
Dissemination
Controls
to agency information.
See: ISOO CUI Registry:
https://www.nara.gov/cui/registry/category-list).
4
Permit Access and Dissemination
If sharing:
Is not prohibited by law, Federal regulation, or Government-
wide policy
Furthers a Lawful Government Purpose
Not subject to Limited Dissemination Controls
Achieve the Best Results
Lawful Government Purpose is a dynamic standard:
Protect what needs to be protected.
Share CUI with other Executive branch agencies and non-
Federal partners, as prescribed by
law, Federal regulation, and Government-wide policy,
when doing so will most effectively achieve the authorized
mission.
