DoDI 5230.09 clearance for public release

Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 5230.09 requires prepublication review of official defense information concerning military matters or national security. It also covers subjects of significant concern to the Department of Defense (DoD). Clearance must come before public release. (DoDI 5230.09, section 1.2)

Start with your organization's release office or the approval route in your contract. Sending a document for review does not itself authorize publication.

What do DoDI 5230.09 and DoDI 5230.29 require?

DoDI 5230.09 sets the policy; DoDI 5230.29 supplies clearance criteria and procedures. The first instruction assigns responsibilities across DoD. The second explains submission, review outcomes, and appeals. (DoDI 5230.09; DoDI 5230.29)

The 5230.09 edition cited here incorporates Change 1, effective February 9, 2022. The current 5230.29 incorporates Change 2, dated February 8, 2022, an administrative change. Directive-type Memorandum (DTM) 24-005 superseded conflicting parts of both instructions for privately written works by current and former DoD personnel. Change 1 to the DTM, dated September 2, 2025, extended it to November 8, 2026, so confirm whether it was extended again or replaced. (DTM 24-005) Use the responsible release office's current instructions when preparing a submission.

The security review looks for classified information, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and disclosures that compromise operations security. The policy review checks consistency with established government policies and programs. Information can require review even when every page is unclassified. (DoDI 5230.29, Enclosure 3)

For the distinction between classification and handling restrictions, see what CUI means.

Who must submit information for public release?

DoD personnel must submit covered official information, and private writing can also require review. DoDI 5230.09 covers private-capacity work when it meets the criteria in DoDI 5230.29. For privately written works, DTM 24-005 requires review when the material contains official DoD information relating to national security, or when a nondisclosure agreement requires it. Former personnel and contractors retain obligations under their nondisclosure agreements. (DoDI 5230.09, section 1.2; DTM 24-005, Attachment 2)

Contractors need a separate check. DoDI 5230.09 expressly points contractor publication and disclosure provisions to other authorities. Do not read the instruction as a universal requirement that every contractor submit every document directly to the department's central review office.

For classified contracts, 32 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 117.15(h)(8) controls public disclosure. Unclassified information about those contracts requires prior review under the contract's security specification or government direction. The rule also covers brochures, sales literature, and stockholder reports. (32 CFR 117.15)

What goes to DOPSR for review?

The Defense Office of Prepublication and Security Review (DOPSR) handles material meeting the department-level referral criteria. Components retain clearance authority for other information and must conduct their own internal reviews. (DoDI 5230.29, Enclosures 2 and 3)

Referral criteria include:

• Material likely to attract national or international interest.
• Information affecting national security policy, foreign relations, or negotiations.
• Subjects that could create controversy between components or federal agencies.
• Presentations by employees whose position makes them apparent official spokespersons.
• Certain potentially militarily critical technical data without a distribution determination.
• Sensitive political or military material originating with senior personnel in the National Capital Region.

A conference presentation, public website, or journal submission can therefore need review. The medium does not remove the requirement. An abstract released before a paper needs its own clearance; clearing the abstract does not clear the finished paper.

Keep public release approval separate from document markings. Read DoD distribution statements when preparing technical information for distribution.

How do contractors request clearance?

Follow the contract's named approval route and submit the exact information proposed for release. Under the classified-contract rule, use the activity named in government classification guidance. Include the intended release date and initial publication medium. (32 CFR 117.15(h)(8))

The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) adds another possible requirement. DFARS 204.404-70 prescribes the disclosure clause for contracts involving potentially sensitive unclassified information. Under Class Deviation 2026-O0025, Revision 3 (September 3, 2026), the prescription appears at DFARS 240.372-3(a), and the October 2016 clause text is unchanged. Check whether your award contains it. (DFARS 204.404-70; Class Deviation 2026-O0025)

DFARS 252.204-7000 requires prior written contracting officer approval unless a stated exception applies. The acquisition.gov text carries the October 2016 clause date and a May 7, 2026 change banner. It requires submission at least 10 business days before release. Subcontractors submit through the prime contractor. (DFARS 252.204-7000)

The exceptions include information already public and qualifying fundamental research determined in writing by the contracting officer. Calling a project research does not establish that exception.

Agency procedures can add practical requirements. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) requests its release form, sponsor details, award number, contact information, and publication plans. It asks for at least 3 weeks before the desired release date. That is DARPA's process, not a department-wide DOPSR turnaround promise. (DARPA public release)

How do you prepare a DOPSR submission?

Prepare the complete final material and finish the required internal coordination before submission. DoDI 5230.29 requires organizational policy, security, and operations security checks first. (DoDI 5230.29, Enclosure 3, section 2)

1. Identify the releasing organization and the correct approval route.
2. Assemble the full text, figures, tables, and material intended for publication.
3. Complete the component's internal coordination.
4. Obtain the authorized government representative's approval on Department of Defense (DD) Form 1910 when that route applies.
5. Identify the requested release date and any previously cleared abstract.
6. Submit through the approved channel and retain the response with the reviewed version.

Contractors may not sign DD Form 1910 as the government approving representative. A company should follow its sponsor's process rather than substitute its own signature.

The cited instruction permits email submission of unclassified material shorter than 100 pages, with DD Form 1910. It lists whs.pentagon.esd.mbx.secrev@mail.mil. In 2026 the DOPSR website called email the preferred method, set a 25 MB attachment limit, and said private sector corporations submit by cover letter. (DOPSR) Confirm current acceptance instructions with the release office before sending; do not use ordinary email for classified material.

How long does DOPSR take?

DoDI 5230.29 gives minimum submission lead times, not guaranteed completion dates. The instruction distinguishes the following material. (DoDI 5230.29, Enclosure 3, section 3)

Complexity, length, controversy, and coordination with other agencies can extend review. DOPSR can return material without action when insufficient time was allowed. For privately written works, DTM 24-005 sets longer minimums: 15 business days for papers and articles, 20 for technical papers, and 120 for manuscripts and books. In 2026 the DOPSR website warned that book-length manuscript reviews were taking several months. (DTM 24-005, Attachment 2; DOPSR)

Keep this table separate from your contract's deadlines. The DFARS clause uses business days, and agency procedures may request longer lead times. Plan around the actual review route and obtain clearance before committing to release.

What does the review decision mean?

Read the determination and apply every mandatory change before publication. DoDI 5230.29 distinguishes 4 outcomes. (DoDI 5230.29, Enclosure 3, section 4)

For classified-contract information, retain the approval for the required inspection cycle. Clear subsequently developed information before disclosing it. Declassification alone also does not authorize public disclosure. (32 CFR 117.15(h)(8))

What to do next

• Identify whether this is official, private-capacity, or contractor material.
• Ask the responsible release office which submission route applies.
• Check the award's disclosure clause and security specification.
• Submit the complete final version with the required coordination.
• Allow additional time for technical or lengthy material.
• Keep the written determination and implement mandatory changes.

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Questions people ask

What is DoDI 5230.09?

DoDI 5230.09 establishes the Department of Defense policy for clearing official information for public release. Covered information concerns military matters, national security, or subjects of significant concern to the department. The instruction requires prepublication review and assigns responsibilities to the components and Washington Headquarters Services.

Do contractors have to submit information for public release review?

Contractors must follow the requirements in their contracts and applicable security rules. DoDI 5230.09 points contractor disclosure provisions to other authorities. Under 32 CFR 117.15, unclassified information about a classified contract generally requires review through the government activity identified in the contract's classification guidance.

How long does DOPSR take?

DoDI 5230.29 gives minimum lead times of 5 working days for speeches, 10 for other papers, 15 for technical papers, and 30 for manuscripts and books. For privately written works, DTM 24-005 sets 15 business days for papers, 20 for technical papers, and 120 for manuscripts and books. These are submission requirements, not guaranteed turnaround times. Complex material and coordination with other agencies can require more time.

Does unclassified mean cleared for public release?

No. DoDI 5230.29 requires review for protected unclassified information and operations security concerns as well as classified information. Under 32 CFR 117.15, even declassification does not automatically authorize public disclosure. Follow the release procedure and obtain the required approval before publishing.

Sources

1. 1DoDI 5230.09, Clearance of DoD Information for Public Release, Change 1, February 9, 2022 · Washington Headquarters Services, DoD Issuances
2. 2DoDI 5230.29, Security and Policy Review of DoD Information for Public Release, Change 2, February 8, 2022 · Washington Headquarters Services, DoD Issuances
3. 332 CFR 117.15, Safeguarding classified information · Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
4. 4DFARS 204.404-70, Additional contract clauses · Department of Defense
5. 5DFARS 252.204-7000, Disclosure of Information · Department of Defense
6. 6Public Release · Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
7. 7DTM 24-005, Prepublication and Security Review of Privately Written Works by Current and Former DoD Personnel, Change 1, September 2, 2025 · Washington Headquarters Services, DoD Issuances
8. 8Defense Office of Prepublication and Security Review · Washington Headquarters Services
9. 9Class Deviation 2026-O0025, Revision 3, Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Part 40 and DFARS Part 240 · Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy

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