When you hear the term Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), it could mean one of two things. Currently, within DOE "Controlled Unclassified Information " or CUI is an overarching term used to refer to unclassified information that is identified and marked as sensitive (e.g., OUO and Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information (UCNI)).
Controlled Unclassified Information is also used to describe information that will be identified and safeguarded under Executive Order (E.O.) 13556, Controlled Unclassified Information. E.O. 13556 mandates a Government-wide uniform program to identify and protect sensitive but unclassified information. At this time, policies for CUI under the E.O. are still being developed. No timetable has been set for implementation and implementation will take place over years. Until a National directive is issued and DOE issues its own implementing directive, DOE personnel must continue to follow the requirements for OUO (and UCNI) information.