(a) Top Secret original classification authority may only be exercised by the Secretary and by officials with a demonstrable and continuing need to exercise such authority and to whom such authority is delegated in writing by the Secretary. The Chief Security Officer, as the Senior Agency Official, is delegated authority to originally classify information up to and including Top Secret. No official who is delegated Top Secret original classification authority by the Secretary may further delegate such authority.
CFR 6-7.20-2014 history
2014CFR 6-7.20-2014 Domestic security. Part7:Classified national security information. Subpart B:Classified Information. Section7.20:Classification and declassification authority.