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Office of Export Control and Research Security

Glossary Procurement

Who We Are

The federal government requires that research institutions receiving federal funds establish and operate a research security program to protect against foreign government interference and exploitation of scientific innovation (NSPM-33). The Office of Export Control & Research Security (ECRS) in the Division of Research safeguards the integrity of Clemson University’s global research enterprise by providing the strategic framework and compliance expertise necessary to navigate complex federal, state, and university regulations for international collaboration and scientific partnerships.

ECRS helps enable global research while protecting:

  • National security interests
  • Sensitive technologies and data
  • Clemson’s research enterprise

What We Do & Why It Matters

What We Do

The ECRS Office provides comprehensive oversight and support across multiple compliance and security functions, including: 

 

  • Export Control Compliance

    Guidance on ITAR, EAR, and OFAC regulations; export determinations; licensing support; and compliance reviews for the most sensitive research and university activities. Export Control Compliance Pop-Up Explanation.docx

  • Research Security Compliance

    Implementation of federal requirements (e.g., NSPM-33), including disclosure review, foreign influence risk mitigation, and training programs

  • Protection of Regulated Research

    Safeguarding controlled, sensitive, or restricted research (including CUI) through close coordination with Clemson Computing and Information Technology (CCIT), Office of Information Security (OIS), Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), and others to ensure data protection and compliance requirements 

  • Restricted Party Screening

    Screening of international collaborators, vendors, sponsors, and visitors against U.S. government restricted and denied party lists

  • International Travel Authorization & Review

    Risk assessment and guidance for university-related international travel involving research, equipment, or data

  • International Shipping & Export Review

    Review and approval of outbound shipments, including classification, documentation, and licensing determinations

  • Collaboration Risk Assessment

    Evaluation of international partnerships and agreements for export control and research security risks

  • Training & Outreach

    Development and delivery of training programs on export control, research security, insider threat awareness, and compliance responsibilities

  • Advisory & Consultation Services

    Direct support to faculty, staff, and administrators navigating complex regulatory and security requirements

  • Facility Security Officer (FSO) Functions

    Oversight of classified research requirements, security clearances, and compliance with federal security regulations for classified contracts

  • Insider Threat Program

    Identification, mitigation, and reporting of insider threat risks in alignment with federal research security expectations

What You Need to Know

If you are involved in sponsored research or international activities, export control and research security requirements may apply to you. 

You should contact ECRS if you: 

  • Preparing a proposal for a contract or a subcontract with a DoD Prime, or planning to work with NIH restricted data sets
  • Receive contracts with publication or access restrictions 
  • Travel internationally with research equipment, data, or software 
  • Ship or send items, materials, or data outside the U.S.
  • Work with international collaborators or institutions 
  • Hire or host foreign nationals in research roles