On June 28, the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), issued a Directive in the Federal Register providing guidance to federal agencies on how to implement Executive Order 13526 relating to classified national security information. President Obama issued the EO on December 29, 2009.

EO 13526 prescribes a uniform system for classifying, safeguarding, and declassifying national security information. It also establishes a monitoring system to enhance its effectiveness. The Directive sets forth guidance to agencies on original and derivative classification, downgrading, declassification, and safeguarding of classified national security information.