Intelligence and National Security Alliance

The Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) is a not for profit 501(c)(6), non-partisan professional organization based in Arlington Virginia, established in 2005. INSA provides an external source for unbiased perspectives and provides industry with a voice in the intelligence community. Formerly known as the Security Affairs Support Association (SASA), INSA counts both public intelligence agencies and private firms such as Lockheed Martin, SAIC, BAE Systems, Mantech International, General Dynamics, CSC, Booz Allen Hamilton, Microsoft, and Hewlett Packard among its members. The current President is Timothy J. Sample.

History SASA was originally established in 1979 to bring together professionals in the intelligence field by helping members stay abreast of intelligence and national security community issues, developing cross-community knowledge, and advancing business objectives. The main office was in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. In November 2005, SASA became INSA. The main office is currently located in Ballston, co-located with the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies.[1] Historically, the organization facilitated cooperation between industry and private sector groups, though its roster of members now includes professors at Georgetown University and other educational institutions.

INSA’s internal operational structure consists of the main office and its personnel, along with four active groups: the Forum, which consists of a select group of individuals representing industry, the private sector and academia; the Council on Security; the Council on Domestic Intelligence; and the Council on Innovative Technologies. The groups plan future advocacy work, and facilitate greater cross-organizational communication.

Mission The mission of INSA is “to be the premier professional association for the Intelligence and National Security communities, supporting government, industry, the private sector, and academia at all levels, providing the structure and interactive forum for thought leadership, sharing ideas, networking, and research and analysis in order to strengthen the public-private partnership and advocate for an effective intelligence community supporting the nation’s defense both here and abroad.”(Citation Here)

Specific goals are to:

• Facilitate vibrant and relevant liaison with the Intelligence and National Security communities on behalf of INSA’s members to improve intelligence, the public sector’s support to intelligence and national security, and the further development of requisite public sector capabilities, especially in the intelligence industrial base. • Through seminars and writings, sponsor insightful dialogue and information-sharing on intelligence doctrine and issues with which government officials are confronted at federal, state, and local levels. • Provide unparalleled professional development and networking. • Honor the enduring contributions of intelligence professionals through a world-class awards program. • Provide independent and timely research studies, with workable recommendations, for the resolution of intelligence and related national security issues and challenges.

Advocacy and Outreach Efforts INSA hosts numerous events annually for professionals in the intelligence community. Foremost among these is the Baker Award Dinner, which honors outstanding individuals in the fields of intelligence and domestic security.