What is the responsibility of the Original Classification Authority (OCA)?

The responsibility of the Original Classification Authority (OCA) is to create and assign the classification levels to information that is deemed sensitive for national security. This authority ensures that sensitive information is appropriately marked to warn users about its classified status, which is crucial for protecting national interests.

Marking classified documents involves indicating the classification level (such as Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret) and providing appropriate caveats and handling instructions. This helps maintain the integrity of classified materials and ensures those who handle these documents understand the implications of their access.

In contrast to marking documents, storing classified materials involves the secure physical storage of such documents, which is generally the responsibility of different security personnel or facilities. Creating regulations for classified information falls under policy-making authorities rather than the direct role of the OCA. Lastly, authorizing security access pertains to ensuring individuals have the necessary clearances to view classified information, also not a direct responsibility of the OCA but rather for security officers or personnel in charge of access control.