Before applying
Before applying, it is important to:
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Be familiar with the Defence Security Principles Framework (DSPF) Principle 16 Control 16.1 and the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) membership level requirements.
The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded. - Determine ability to meet the requirements for the DISP membership level that is being applied for.
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Identify a Chief Security Officer (CSO) and Security Officer (SO).
Chief Security Officer and Security Officer roles and responsibilities factsheet (PDF, 237.37 KB)
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Organise the security governance documentation and go through the DISP Membership Requirement Checklist to help build the evidence to support the DISP application.
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Have an established email address in the format of DISP@your entity name.
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Satisfy requirements for foreign ownership, control or influence.
Foreign ownership control and influence fact sheet (PDF, 644.62 KB)
- Ensure that all information provided about the entity matches information recorded in the Australian Securities and Investments Commission register, especially any registered business address and ABN/ACN.
- CSO’s and SO’s should obtain a Australian Government Digital Identity, which is linked to the entity via Relationship Authorisation Manager.
- Find out more information on the Digital ID and RAM requirements over on the DISP Member Portal, under the heading Digital ID and Authorisation Management.
Submitting an application
Complete the application on the DISP Member Portal.
The first step when entering the DISP Member Portal is to update your profile. This includes providing Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) personal security clearance details and acknowledging whether the CSO and SO have completed SO training.
After the profile is complete, there are 9 sections of the application that will need to be filled out:
- Entity details
- Officer details
- Contracts and panels
- Physical and ICT
- Membership levels
- Foreign ownership, control and influence
- Cyber questionnaire
- Attachments
- Preview and submit.
Once the application is complete and prior to submitting:
- Ensure that the CSO has reviewed the application in full.
- Update any required information appropriately.
- Double check the information to ensure its accuracy.
Processing and timeframes
Prioritisation is based on factors such as whether the entity holds or are tendering or negotiating for a Defence contract or panel, or are involved in the shipbuilding supply chain.
Assuming the entity has all the required clearances, certifications and accreditations, and depending on the complexity of the application, processing of the application is expected to take:
- 2-3 months for entry level
- 4-6 months for levels 1, 2 and 3.
DISP processing timeframes are also dependent on the following:
- Personnel security is dependent on AGSVA processing timeframes.
- Physical security is dependent availability of Defence Security and Vetting Services.
- ICT and cyber security are dependent on ICT security accreditation timeframes.
When applications do not have the required certificates attached on application, longer timeframes will need to be considered.
A DISP Processing Officer will be in contact if they require any further information to continue with the application. They will provide updates at relevant points and will let the applicant know if membership has been granted or denied.
While the application is being processed, it is recommended that that all DISP applicants subscribe to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation’s Outreach program and the Australian Signals Directorate's Cyber Security Partnership Program.