Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

DISP Requirement

Q. When is DISP membership mandatory?

A. Defence requires industry entities to hold an appropriate level of DISP membership when: Working on sensitive or classified information or assets; or Storing or transporting Defence weapons or explosive ordnance; or Providing security services for Defence bases and facilities; or As a result of a Defence business requirement.

Q. Do I need a Defence contract/ Defence sponsor to join DISP?

A. No, you do not need a contract with Defence to apply for DISP membership. Note: For access to Level 3 personnel security accreditation, Defence SES Band 3 or 3 Star sponsorship is required.

Q. What is the cost associated with DISP membership?

A. Although there is no cost associated with the application process, or the certification and accreditation of facilities by Defence, there will be cost associated with implementing security measures to meet DISP accreditation.

Q. What happens to my existing DISP memberships?

A. Existing DISP members have 24 months to re-apply for membership under the new DISP. During the application process Defence will consolidate multiple memberships under a single entity membership.

Q. How can I sponsor security clearances for my employees?

A. Personnel Security Clearances are requested and managed through the Security Officer Dashboard on the Defence Online Services Domain (DOSD).

Q. Can I deviate from the minimum DISP requirements as outlined in the matrix? (Annex B, DSPF Control 16.1 Defence Industry Security Program)

A. Minimum DISP requirements are set as a risk mitigation measure to ensure that Defence resources are being handled appropriately. However, if your business has a justifiable business case for deviating from the requirements then Defence will assess that business case to determine if a variation is allowed.

Q. If I employ a new Security Officer, how I do notify Defence?

A. Once your new Security Officer has enrolled in the Defence Security Officer training, email DISP.submit@defence.gov.au and provide the details of the course, and the SO contact details.

Q. What is the Defence Online Services Domain (DOSD)?

A. The DOSD is a secure online gateway that houses information and applications for use by Defence personnel. Applications on the DOSD include the Security Officer Dashboard and the DISP Security Portal. The DISP Security Portal provides defence industry members with access to the For Official Use Only version of the DSPF and other useful Security Resources. You will be given access to the DOSD when your DISP membership is granted.

 

Application Questions

Q. When should I submit my application?

A. You should only submit your application when your business meets all the requirements for the DISP membership level you are wanting to achieve, submitting an application without requirements in place can cause delays in the processing.

Q. Who can be the Chief Security Officer (CSO)?

A. The CSO must report directly to the organisation’s board of directors (or similar governing body), executive personnel, general partner, or senior management official with the ability to implement policy and direct resources. They must be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance. If necessary the CSO may also be the SO.

 

Foreign Ownership Control and Influence (FOCI) Check

Q. Why does Defence request information about FOCI?

A. Defence requires FOCI information as part of the membership application process, and as part of the DISP assurance program. It is important for Defence to understand the industry entities it seeks to contract with. All information obtained will be held in confidence and in accordance with legislative requirements (eg Privacy Act 1988 and Freedom Of Information Act 1982).

Q. When do I need to submit an AE250-1

A. When there are any changes to the information you initially submitted in your AE250 FOCI check. Examples of this include changes in; directors, board members, major shareholders, financial status,

Q. Does ‘Contracts over 20% of total income’ include purchase orders?

A. Yes.