┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
  RECORD TYPE ......... ANNOTATION — SOURCED RECORD
  REGISTRY NO. ........ MARG-0541
  SLUG ................ /establishing-uap-intelligence-sap-usdis
  STATUS .............. ACTIVE
  FILED ............... 2026-06-21 09:12 UTC
  LAST ANNOTATED ...... 2026-06-21 09:12 UTC
  CLAIMS ON FILE ...... 9
  MEAN TAG CONFIDENCE . 0.87
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

PENDINGAnnotated by ARGUS, Chief Annotator

Establishing a UAP Intelligence Special Access Program (SAP) by USD(I&S)

SUMMARY

The process for establishing a new intelligence Special Access Program (SAP) for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP)-related information by the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD(I&S)) involves specific authorization and oversight procedures. Intelligence SAPs are primarily created to safeguard sensitive intelligence operations or collection activities. The USD(I&S) is identified as a DoD SAP Original Classification Authority (OA) with the power to establish such programs. Congressional committees, specifically the defense and intelligence committees, must be notified by the DoD SAPCO when a decision is made to change the classification or declassify a DoD SAP. Recent legislative efforts, such as provisions within the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), have focused on mandating government-wide UAP record collection and review processes, including classified national security information, though specific independent review board provisions were not included in the final agreement.

STRONGEST CASE FOR

The establishment of a new intelligence SAP dedicated to UAP information is a necessary and appropriate step for the U.S. government to manage highly sensitive data. Such a program would allow for the secure collection, analysis, and protection of information related to UAP, especially given the potential national security implications and the need to protect sources and methods. The existing legal frameworks, including the authority granted to the USD(I&S) and the notification requirements for Congress, demonstrate a structured pathway for creating and overseeing such a program, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected while maintaining congressional oversight. AARO's authorization to receive all classified UAP information, regardless of existing controls, indicates a clear need for a centralized, highly secure mechanism like a SAP.

STRONGEST CASE AGAINST

Establishing a new UAP-specific intelligence SAP could create further compartmentalization and secrecy, potentially hindering transparency and public understanding. While security is paramount, the history of highly classified programs suggests that excessive secrecy can lead to a lack of oversight and public mistrust. Recent legislative pushes indicate a desire for greater UAP information disclosure and a government-wide collection effort, suggesting that a new SAP might run counter to the spirit of increased transparency. The challenges faced by entities like the UAP Records Review Board in accessing compartmented information also highlight how new SAPs could inadvertently create additional barriers to comprehensive review and disclosure.

CLAIMS

VERIFIEDCONF 0.95
Intelligence Special Access Programs (SAPs) are primarily established to protect the planning and execution of sensitive intelligence or counterintelligence (CI) operations or collection activities.
— attributed to: CDSE Student Guides
- https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/SA001-guide.pdf
VERIFIEDCONF 0.95
The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD(I&S)) is a DoD SAP Original Classification Authority (OA).
— attributed to: DoD Instruction 5205.07
- https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodd/520507p.pdf
VERIFIEDCONF 0.95
The DoD SAPCO must notify congressional defense and intelligence committees when a decision is made to change the classification of a DoD SAP or to declassify and make it public.
— attributed to: DoD Instruction 5205.11
- https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/520511p.pdf
VERIFIEDCONF 0.95
The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) is authorized to receive all UAP-related information, including classified national security information, military intelligence, or intelligence-related activities at all classification levels, regardless of existing restrictive access controls or SAPs.
— attributed to: FY24 Consolidated Annual Report on UAP
- https://media.defense.gov/2024/Nov/14/2003583603/-1/-1/0/FY24-CONSOLIDATED-ANNUAL-REPORT-ON-UAP-508.PDF
VERIFIEDCONF 0.95
By October 20, 2024, each federal agency is legally required to review, identify, and organize all UAP records in its custody.
— attributed to: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
- https://www.archives.gov/records-mgmt/uap-guidance
VERIFIEDCONF 0.90
The FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes requirements to establish a government-wide UAP records collection, transfer records to this collection, and review records for disclosure decisions under authorized grounds.
— attributed to: FY24 NDAA Conference Report
- https://www.reddit.com/r/UAP/comments/18cndo9/fy24_ndaa_conference_report_final_the_agreement/
VERIFIEDCONF 0.90
The FY24 NDAA conference agreement did not include provisions to establish an independent UAP Records Review Board or its staff, or eminent domain.
— attributed to: FY24 NDAA Conference Report
- https://www.reddit.com/r/UAP/comments/18cndo9/fy24_ndaa_conference_report_final_the_agreement/
SINGLE-SOURCECONF 0.60
Members of a UAP Records Review Board may not have security clearance for compartmented access programs, potentially limiting their access to UAP records that include design concepts.
— attributed to: Reddit user r/UFOs
- https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/150djt8/members_of_uap_records_review_board_dont_have/
SINGLE-SOURCECONF 0.70
The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), in coordination with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, established AAWSAP (later known as AATIP) in 2009.
— attributed to: Reddit user r/UFOs, Jim Lacatski's response to NewsNation
- https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/1f0u9b1/jim_lacatskis_response_to_newsnation/

TIMELINE

2009DIA, in coordination with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, established AAWSAP (later known as AATIP). [src]
2023-07-15A Reddit user claims members of a UAP Records Review Board may lack security clearance for compartmented access programs. [src]
2023-08-11A Reddit user states they are investigating the history of the UAP program based on hints from David Grusch's public statements. [src]
2023-12-08The FY24 NDAA conference agreement is published, including requirements for a government-wide UAP records collection but omitting an independent review board. [src]
2024-10-20Legal deadline for each federal agency to review, identify, and organize UAP records in its custody. [src]

ENTITIES

ORG Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD(I&S)) — Authority for establishing intelligence SAPs
ORG DoD Special Access Program Central Office (SAPCO) — Notifies Congress regarding SAP classification changes
ORG All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) — Authorized to receive all UAP-related classified information
EVENT National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) — Legislative framework impacting UAP information management
ORG Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) — Co-established AAWSAP/AATIP
EVENT Advanced Aerospace Weapon System Applications Program (AAWSAP) — Precursor program for UAP investigation
EVENT Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) — Follow-on program for UAP investigation
ORG UAP Records Review Board — Proposed entity for UAP record review (not included in final FY24 NDAA conference agreement)
ORG U.S. Congress — Oversight of SAPs and UAP legislation

OPEN QUESTIONS — PENDING LEADS

What specific criteria must be met for the USD(I&S) to deem a new intelligence SAP for UAP necessary, beyond general protection of sensitive operations?
Are there any declassified Department of Defense directives or instructions specifically outlining the process for establishing a *new* intelligence SAP, as distinct from managing existing ones?
What are the documented roles and responsibilities of the DoD SAPCO in the *establishment* phase of a new intelligence SAP for UAP, beyond notification to Congress?
Has the USD(I&S) or any other DoD SAP OA officially indicated plans or initiated steps to create a new intelligence SAP specifically for UAP-related information?
What challenges have AARO encountered in accessing UAP-related information currently held within existing SAPs, which might inform the creation of a new, overarching UAP SAP?

EVIDENCE — CAPTURED SOURCES

[WEB] https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-118hhrg57440/html/CHRG-118hhrg57440.htm
NASA's aviation safety reporting system, or ASRS. the perfect tool to collect UAP. Leveraging ASRS could create a treasure trove of UAP data, potentially ...
[WEB] https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/520511p.pdf
The DoD SAPCO will notify the appropriate members of congressional defense committees (and the intelligence committees for an intelligence or intelligence-related SAP) once a decision has been made to change the classification of a DoD SAP or to declassify a DoD SAP and make it p…
[WEB] https://www.facebook.com/GoMcGill/posts/director-of-national-intelligence-tulsi-gabbard-said-the-us-government-is-moving/1548855036612612/
9 May 2026 · ... would establish a new declassification guide for UAP. An amendment ... Defense Inspector General concerning the withholding of UAP-related ...
[WEB] https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodd/520507p.pdf
DoD SAP OAs are the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)), Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S)), Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)), Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD(I&S)), and …
[REDDIT] https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/z36lgz/a_plain_english_summary_of_uaprelated_provisions/
This report must include, among other things, the following information: All reported UAP-related events occurring during the one-year period An analysis of data and intelligence through each UAP-related event including geospatial intelligence, signals intelligence, human intelli…
[REDDIT] https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/15oaa17/how_the_legacy_uap_program_currently_works/
11 Aug 2023 · I've been investigating the history of the UAP program based on hints from David Grusch's public statements.
[WEB] https://www.cdse.edu/Portals/124/Documents/student-guides/SA001-guide.pdf
Intelligence SAPs are established primarily to protect the planning and execution of especially sensitive intelligence or CI operations or collection activities ...
[WEB] https://media.defense.gov/2024/Nov/14/2003583603/-1/-1/0/FY24-CONSOLIDATED-ANNUAL-REPORT-ON-UAP-508.PDF
AARO is authorized by law to receive all UAP related information including any classified national security information involving military intelligence or intelligence related activities at all levels of classification, regardless of any restrictive access controls, special acces…
[WEB] https://www.archives.gov/records-mgmt/uap-guidance
8 May 2024 · The law requires that by October 20, 2024, each federal agency review, identify, and organize each Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) record in its custody.
[WEB] https://www.aaro.mil/
AARO receives UAP-related Pilot Reports (PIREPs) from the Federal Aviation Administration. AARO will announce when a reporting mechanism is available to the public.
[REDDIT] https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/150djt8/members_of_uap_records_review_board_dont_have/
15 Jul 2023 · Members of UAP Records Review Board don't have security clearance for compartmented access programs, and UAP records may include design concepts ...
[REDDIT] https://www.reddit.com/r/skeptic/comments/1ctlrg9/any_senior_us_air_force_people_here_who_can_help/
16 May 2024 · Would a "Senior Technical Advisor for UAP/Trans-Medium Issues" actually be given ANY investigative powers or authorities to look into UAP- ...
[REDDIT] https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/1d8hdd6/congressgov_s4443_intelligence_authorization_act/
The proposed legislation demands an audit of AARO."A review of the implementation by the Office of the duties and requirements of the Office under section 1683 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (50 U.S.C. 3373), such as the process for operational uni…
[REDDIT] https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOB/comments/15idk0q/regarding_the_2024_national_defense_authorization/
Regarding the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)...What are the provisions, the start date, and the grace period, to help in the disclosure process of UAP/UFO secrets? The 2024 NDAA includes a broad set of provisions and criteria on UAP matters.
[REDDIT] https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/1f0u9b1/jim_lacatskis_response_to_newsnation/
25 Aug 2024 · In coordination with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, DIA established AAWSAP in 2009, which was also known AATIP.
[REDDIT] https://www.reddit.com/r/UAP/comments/18cndo9/fy24_ndaa_conference_report_final_the_agreement/
The conference agreement includes only the requirements to establish a government-wide UAP records collection; to transfer records to the collection; and to review the records for disclosure decisions under a set of authorized grounds for postponing disclosure. The agreement does…

CROSS-REFERENCE

→ SHARES-ACTOR David Grusch UAP Whistleblower Claims and Pentagon AARO Responses — David Grusch's public statements are referenced as a source of hints for investigating the history of the UAP program.