Under whose authority does the Director, DoD Special Access Program Central Office (SAPCO) operate?

The Director, DoD Special Access Program Central Office (SAPCO) operates under the authority of the Deputy Secretary of Defense. This position has a critical role in the oversight and management of Special Access Programs (SAPs) within the Department of Defense, ensuring that these sensitive programs are in compliance with established policies and regulations. The Deputy Secretary is responsible for a wide range of functions, including the establishment of guidelines and the overall direction of defense intelligence and security, which directly impacts the operations of SAPCO.

The choice of the Deputy Secretary of Defense aligns with the need for high-level oversight of programs that handle classified and sensitive national security information. By being subordinate to the Deputy Secretary, SAPCO is positioned to operate within the broader framework of the Department’s strategic objectives and priorities. This structure ensures that SAPCO has the authority and support necessary to enforce security measures across the various Special Access Programs within the DoD.

In contrast, the other options reflect roles that do not have the direct authority over SAPCO. The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence deals with intelligence matters but does not hold the specific oversight for SAPCO operations. DoD Component heads have jurisdiction over their own components' programs but do not centrally manage the Special Access Programs across the whole DoD.