About DSAC

 DSAC Background

Since 1985, the U.S. Government and the U.S. private sector have successfully shared security information through the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), a program within the Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of State. The FBI, specifically the Criminal Investigative Division (CID), has served as a technical advisor to OSAC since 1996 for intelligence sharing and threat information. In the post 9/11 environment, a majority of the same U.S. companies engaged in (or affiliated with) OSAC are concerned about the security of their primary domestic operations. The U.S. private sector remains seriously concerned about terrorist and counter intelligence threats; however the day to day operational security concerns primarily involve threats to their respective organizations that are criminal in nature.

In November 2005, a steering committee comprised of ten Chief Security Officers (CSOs) from ten of the 100 largest publicly traded, domestically chartered corporations to include Citigroup, Coca-Cola and Federal Express, was convened at FBI Headquarters to explore the feasibility of creating a domestic security intelligence sharing program between the U.S. government and the U.S. private sector.

In December 2005, DSAC was officially formed as an FBI program with the following mission statement:

"The Domestic Security Alliance Council (DSAC), a strategic partnership between the FBI and the U.S. private sector, will enhance communications and promote the timely and effective exchange of information. The DSAC will advance the FBI mission in preventing, detecting, and investigating criminal acts, particularly those affecting interstate commerce, while advancing the ability of the U.S. private sector to protect its employees, assets, and proprietary information."

During 2005, the FBI worked closely with the steering committee to develop a concept of operations for DSAC. In July 2006, the steering committee evolved into a formalized DSAC Leadership Board comprised of 29 individuals representing some of the largest companies and leaders of their industries. The DSAC Leadership Board represents over 20 industries including but not limited to airlines, commercial banks, entertainment and food production and covers all geographic regions of the United States.

As of 2010, there are more than 200 companies participating in the DSAC program, representing every critical infrastructure and business sector. Companies participating in DSAC account for approximately 34% of the U.S.  Gross Domestic Product, and account for 8.1% of total U.S. employment.

DSAC Brochure