DD Form 3230: DoD CUI NDA for Transition Teams

DD Form 3230: DoD CUI NDA for Transition Teams – During a U.S. presidential transition, members of the President-elect’s team often need access to sensitive Department of Defense (DoD) information that is not classified but still requires protection. DD Form 3230 is the official nondisclosure agreement that formalizes those protections for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This guide explains what the form is, who must complete it, its key requirements, and where to obtain the current official version—information every transition team member, agency liaison, and security professional in the United States should understand.

Table of Contents

What Is DD Form 3230?

DD Form 3230 is the “Department of Defense Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Nondisclosure Agreement for President-Elect’s Transition Team Members.” The current edition is dated December 2024 (updated 27 December 2024). It is maintained by the Washington Headquarters Services under the DoD Forms Management Program and is available exclusively through official .mil channels.

The form creates a binding agreement between the United States Government and an individual serving on an Agency Review Team (ART) or the broader President-elect’s transition organization. By signing, the individual acknowledges the legal and administrative obligations that come with access to DoD CUI.

Purpose of the DD Form 3230

The primary purpose is to ensure that Agency Transition Team members understand, acknowledge, and comply with their duty to protect Controlled Unclassified Information. The Privacy Act Statement on the form cites the following authorities:

10 U.S.C. § 113 (Secretary of Defense)
Executive Order 13556, Controlled Unclassified Information (November 4, 2010)
32 C.F.R. Part 2002
5 C.F.R. § 2635.703 (Use of Non-Public Information)
DoD Instruction 5200.48, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

Completion is voluntary; however, failure to sign may prevent the DoD from granting access to CUI needed for transition duties.

Who Needs to Sign DD Form 3230?

The form is required for members of the President-elect’s Transition Team—specifically those designated to Agency Review Teams (ARTs)—who will be granted access to DoD Controlled Unclassified Information. This typically includes:

Individuals assigned to review DoD programs, budgets, operations, or policy during the transition period
Transition staff who will receive briefings, documents, or oral information containing CUI
Personnel supporting the smooth transfer of authority between administrations while safeguarding sensitive but unclassified defense information

It does not apply to access to classified national security information, which is governed by separate nondisclosure agreements and security clearance processes.

Key Provisions and Obligations Under DD Form 3230

Signers accept a series of clear, enforceable obligations. The most important include:

Accepting the duty to protect both marked and unmarked CUI, including oral communications controlled under Executive Order 13556
Using CUI solely for official Agency Review Team duties and only when necessary to perform those duties
Reviewing the official Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) CUI Registry initially and on a recurring basis
Complying with the protection standards in DoDI 5200.48
Restricting further disclosure of CUI to other ART members who have a need to know, have signed the required ethical code of conduct, and are not legally prohibited from receiving it
Properly handling, storing, and disposing of CUI in accordance with 32 C.F.R. Part 2002 and DoD policy
Not reproducing CUI without authorization from the DoD Transition Director
Returning all CUI materials when transition duties end
Refraining from disclosing CUI to the media, public websites, or social media
Submitting any proposed publications for prepublication review under applicable DoD directives
Promptly reporting any unauthorized disclosure or security incident

Obligations continue after the transition period ends until the signer receives a written release from an authorized U.S. Government representative.

Understanding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

CUI is information that requires safeguarding or dissemination controls pursuant to law, regulation, or government-wide policy, but is not classified under Executive Order 13526 or the Atomic Energy Act. Examples listed on DD Form 3230 include:

Controlled technical information
Export-controlled information
Law enforcement information
Information covered by legal privilege
Operations security (OPSEC) information
Proprietary business information
Source selection and other sensitive acquisition information

CUI does not include classified information or information that a non-executive branch entity maintains in its own systems and that did not originate from, or was not created for, an executive branch agency.

The authoritative government-wide list of CUI categories is maintained in the ISOO CUI Registry. DoD personnel and transition team members are expected to become familiar with both the ISOO Registry and the DoD implementation under DoDI 5200.48.

How to Complete and Use DD Form 3230?

The form is a three-page PDF. Key sections include:

Privacy Act Statement
Statement of obligations and definitions of CUI
Acknowledgment that the signer has reviewed the ISOO CUI Registry and will comply with DoDI 5200.48 (requires initials)
Signature block requiring printed/typed name, DoD component or address, telephone number, signature, and date in YYYYMMDD format
A good-faith declaration that the agreement is entered into without mental reservation or purpose of evasion

After signing, the completed form becomes part of the individual’s personnel vetting or transition records. Routine uses of the record are governed by the system of records notice DUSD-02-DoD, Personnel Vetting Records System.

Download the Official DD Form 3230 PDF

Always obtain the form from the official DoD source to ensure you have the current version:

Download DD Form 3230 (PDF)

The official form information page is located at the Executive Services Directorate – DD 3230.

Do not use unofficial or third-party copies; only the version hosted on esd.whs.mil is authoritative.

Why DD Form 3230 Matters for U.S. Presidential Transitions?

A smooth presidential transition depends on the incoming team’s ability to review ongoing DoD programs, budgets, and operational information. At the same time, the Department of Defense must protect sensitive unclassified data that, if mishandled, could affect national security, ongoing operations, acquisition programs, or personnel. DD Form 3230 balances these two interests by creating a clear, enforceable commitment from transition team members.

Willful or negligent unauthorized disclosure can lead to administrative, civil, or criminal sanctions. The agreement itself does not supersede whistleblower protections, communications with Congress, or other rights and obligations established by statute or executive order.

Additional Official Resources

By completing DD Form 3230 accurately and abiding by its terms, transition team members help protect sensitive defense information while enabling the orderly transfer of executive authority that is essential to American national security.