Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) Membership Attainment
Supplying to the defence sector or looking to start? As Australia's leading provider of DISP Membership Attainment services, De Stefano & Co's team of Defence and security experts can simplify the entire process, and help you attain membership for your organisation.
What is DISP?
Administered by the Defence Industry Security Branch (DISB), the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) is a risk mitigation program that exists to protect the integrity of Australia's Defence capability. In an ever-evolving environment where the security of Defence's people, information, assets and infrastructure is vital, the program supports suppliers to:
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Develop and maintain their responsibilities regarding security;
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Establish good governance, systems and practices in order to mitigate risks; and
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Safeguard sensitive information and assets in the supply chain.
DISP is comprised of four security categories - Governance, Personnel Security, Physical Security and ICT/Cyber Security. Within these categories, four levels of industry membership are available, depending on your business requirements. These are Entry Level, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.
In order to attain membership, organisations must meet the DISP membership requirements for each of the four security categories, having the correct systems, policies, practices and processes in place. The higher the level of membership you wish to apply for, the more complex and demanding the DISP membership requirements become.
Why is it needed?
The Australian Department of Defence requires its suppliers to hold an appropriate level of DISP membership when they are:
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Working on sensitive or classified information or assets;
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Storing or transporting Defence weapons or explosive ordnance;
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Providing security services for Defence bases and facilities; and/or
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As a result of a Defence business requirement.
Whilst membership is not mandatory in all circumstances, it is highly recommended that those wanting to supply to the defence sector obtain a DISP membership.
What are the benefits?
DISP membership shows your commitment to the defence industry
DISP membership can be a great business development asset
DISP membership demonstrates a strong security posture
DISP membership can help you to access more opportunities
What level
do you need?
For most businesses, Entry Level membership is recommended as a good starting point, as businesses wanting to achieve higher levels of membership must be able to substantiate the need for that higher level. The team at De Stefano & Co can help you to determine the appropriate level of membership you require.
It’s also possible for a DISP member to hold different membership levels for different categories. For example, a DISP member may hold Level 1 membership for Governance and Personnel Security, but only Entry Level for Physical and ICT/Cyber Security.
Please note: Governance must always match or exceed the highest level of membership sought for any other category.
Are you eligible?
In order to obtain a DISP membership, organisations must:
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Be registered as a legal business entity in Australia;
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Be financially solvent;
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Have a designated officer who can obtain an Australian security clearance in order to fulfil the role of a Chief Security Officer (CSO);
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Have a designated officer who can fulfil the role of Security Officer (SO);
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Complete a Foreign, Ownership, Control and Influence (FOCI) declaration which allows DISP managers to make informed decisions about potential security risks associated with their business; and
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Not have any relationships with listed terrorist organisations, regimes subject to Australian sanctions laws, nor any persons and/or entities on DFAT’s Consolidated List.
What will it cost?
Should you decide to go it alone, there are no costs associated with the DISP membership application process, or the certification and accreditation of facilities by Defence. However, there ARE costs associated with implementing the required security measures for accreditation, and obtaining security clearances for personnel (where necessary).
If you would like to learn more about how our team can support you with our DISP Membership Attainment service, we would be happy to provide you with a detailed proposal.
Why use De Stefano & Co?
In addition to being DISP members ourselves, the team at De Stefano & Co offer an unrivalled understanding of the program, having been involved in planning the rollout of the revamped program to industry throughout 2018 and 2019.
Since then, we have supported more than 100 clients to attain membership, so it's no surprise that we are Australia's leading provider of DISP membership attainment services.
Our team has decades of experience in supporting clients to achieve their growth ambitions within the Australian defence sector, through security uplift and strategy development. We have expertise across Air, Land, Sea, Space, Cyber and Defence Estate & Infrastructure, so when we refer to ourselves as Defence and Security Experts, we're not joking.
By choosing De Stefano & Co to support you on your DISP journey, you get access to the following benefits:
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A team of professionals who have been through the process countless times, who have an intimate understanding of the detailed framework underpinning the DISP program.
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Over 150 years of combined Defence and security experience, working in Defence Primes, the Big 4, Managing Contractors and SMEs.
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Strong networks within the sector and access to the right people (in the right seats). This includes contacts within all of the major Defence Primes, industry bodies, and the Defence Industry Security Branch (DISB).
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Continuous support for your DISP membership via our Ongoing Compliance Assurance (OCA™) and Security Officer Support as a Service (SOSaaS) programs.
Don't want to take our word for it? Visit our Testimonials page to see what past clients have to say. (We also provide you with a list of recent clients you can get in touch with as part of our proposal process.)
Our process
Detailed Gap Analysis
Our process begins with a detailed gap analysis of your organisation and where it currently sits in comparison to the requirements of each of the four DISP security categories, liaising with your internal IT representatives, or appointed external IT service providers along the way. You will then receive a comprehensive report which details any gaps identified and recommendations for closing those gaps.
Implementation Support
As part of the implementation support phase, our team will work with you to develop the policies, procedures, processes and training required, then assist you to implement them within your business. Training will be undertaken with your staff, and we will help you complete the required application forms, ready for submission to the Defence Industry Security Branch (DISB). From there, our team will provide support with any audit and assurance activities prior to membership being granted.
Ongoing Compliance
After attaining membership for your organisation, there are a number of ongoing DISP membership requirements that need to be met. We can support organisations with these requirements through our Ongoing Compliance Assurance (OCA™) Program or our Security Office Support as a Service (SOSaaS) Program.