AARO FOIA Release 24-F-0266 on UAP Reporting Authorities

Page 1 January 8th, 2024 MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD SUBJECT: All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office Invitations to Interview Mr. David Grusch 1. The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) extended multiple invitations to Mr. David Grusch for the purpose of conducting an oral history interview in support of the Congressionally directed Historical Record Report (HRR). Invitations, both direct and through intermediaries, to interview Mr. Grusch regarding his claimed knowledge of U.S. Government possession of extra-terrestrial material and reverse-engineering programs were met with negative results. 2. The following attempts were made, by Director, AARO and staff, to encourage Mr. Grusch to provide information to AARO, on the record, and in an appropriately secure environment. The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 authorizes AARO to receive reporting about U.S. Government activities and events related to Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), regardless of classification level or compartmentalization of the information. A. Between June 8 th , 2023 and June 13 th , 2023, Director, AARO en Person (b)(6) regarding AARO's authorities and encouraged Perso contact AAR . Note that Perso Ns) s a known close associate o made it clear that Person ( ))(6) was in contact with Mr. Grusch. ed in a dialog with o have Mr. Grusch sch and the dialog (b)(6) B. On June 12 th and 13 th , 2023, Director, AARO, discussed with a Professional Staff Member (PSM) of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Mr. Grusch's refusal to speak with AARO. The PSM stated that he would contact Mr. Grusch and request Mr. Grusch's email address. The PSM made the offer after the Director made it clear that AARO did not have Mr. Grusch's contact information. C. On June 26 th , 2023, AARO staff contacted Interviewee (b)(6) d asked for Mr. Grusch's current telephone number so that an invitation could be exten• to Mr. Grusch. Interviewee (b)(6) contacted Mr. Grusch on AARO's behalf and an invitation was rebuffed by Mr. Grusch. D. On June 28 th , 2023, Director, AARO contacted a PSM with the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence after Mr. Grusch's appearance before Congress and asked for any information, reported to Congress by Mr. Grusch, that AARO may be able to verify. The Director also reminded the PSM of the agreement that if a witness expressed apprehension about coming to AARO, that AARO would send a staff member to Congressional spaces to record the information into the U.S. Government record in support of the HRR. E. On July 27 th , 2023, AARO staff conducted an interview of Interviewee (b)(6) 'who revealed that he would be having dinner with Mr. Grusch the following day. AARO staff, to include the Director, asked Interviewee (b)(6) to invite Mr. Grusch to contact AARO for an interview. AARO staff made it clear that the interview would be conducted in a secure facility, in 032 All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office Chief of Staff, AARO Authority: FY24 NDAA, now codified at 44 U.S.C. 2107 Date: 03/27/2025 Released in Part: X Reason: 44 U.S.C. 2107 § 1843(a)(3) Case Number: 330UAP000032 Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 § 1843(a)(3)

Page 2 accordance with the law, and the tone of the interview would be friendly and non- confrontational, as are all AARO interviews. F. On October 6 th , 2023, AARO staff conducted a secure call and interview with Interviewee (b)(6) land asked that he also encourage Mr. Grusch to agree to a secure interview so that Mr. Grusch's cl. is ii ight be introduced into the U.S. Government record in support of the HRR. 6 b)() Interviewee ( s known to be a close associate of Mr. Grusch. G. During the previous several months, Director, AARO, asked a PSM with the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services to encourage Mr. Grusch to provide information to AARO during an official interview. H. On November 10 th , 2023, Mr. Grusch contacted AARO, at the urging of Congressional Staff Members, and agreed to be interviewed in Arlington, VA on November 14 1 h, 2024. AARO provided Mr. Grusch with a memorandum from the Director of Special Access Programs, Department of Defense that made it clear AARO is authorized to receive compartmented information (Enclosure 1). Mr. Grusch was also told that AARO would obtain a similar memorandum from the Director, Controlled Access Programs Office, Office of the Director of National Intelligence. I. On November 14 th , 2023, Mr. Grusch failed to show at the agreed upon location and time for an interview with AARO. Upon contacting Mr. Grusch, he stated that he is not convinced that AARO is authorized to receive varying levels of classified and sensitive information. J. On November 19 th , 2023, AARO, again contacted Mr. Grusch via email and stated, "We invite you to speak to AARO regarding any U.S. government programs or activities related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) dating back to 1945. In accordance with the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, AARO is authorized to receive any information related to UAP regardless of classification, and notwithstanding any nondisclosure agreement you may have signed. We would be glad to meet with you in a SCIF so that you could share information with us." This specific invitation was coordinated with the Office of General Counsel, Department of Defense. Mr. Grusch, again, declined the invitation despite previously agreeing to an interview. And, again, Mr. Grusch cited various security concerns that AARO is authorized to receive information of any classification level regarding UAP. K. On January 8th, 2024, AARO provided Mr. Grusch with a memorandum from the Director, Controlled Access Programs Office, Office of the Director of National Intelligence that states AARO is authorized to receive information which is subject to a U.S. Government Nondisclosure Agreement (Enclosure 2). AARO also informed Mr. Grusch that there is a standing invitation to be interviewed by AARO regarding his claims of UAP and U.S. Government activity and events. 3. During interactions between AARO and Mr. Grusch from November 2023 to January 2024, it became evident that Mr. Grusch had no intention of providing AARO with information regarding his claims. This assessment stands despite the NDAA for FY 2023 and the enclosed memorandums from the Department of Defense and the Office of the Director of National Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 § 1843(a)(3) 032

Page 3 Intelligence making it clear that AAR° is authorized to receive all levels of information related to IJAP. (b)(6) Enclosures: As stated AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 § 1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032 Page 4 Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032 Page 5

• • • Chris Mellon @ I spoke w Dave and his first question was, "Why hadn't , Two, Jun 13 all the info from the IC IG? It is all there and fully documented to include confirmation the program is real from active, Cleared insiders. , DOJ has to release it since it's part of a criminal investigation. They haven't yet He needs to come tell us separate from his criminal complaint (0 He obviously doesn't have to do so and he even said "How do I know Sean is not a target of the ongoing criminal investigation (I) However, that being said, I explained your request regarding having his attorney contact OGC and suggested he do so to show full cooperation. He said that if you can provide OGC's contact info he'll pass it to his attorney. Btw, he also said his claim about contacting you dates to a conversation the two of you had many months ago on a 'Tandberg* (sp?) system and that you didn't follow up after that call. I'm not trying to adjudicate that issue just telling you what he said. Apparently that is what his statement was referring to. So, if you can provide an OGC email or phone number I'll get that to Dave right away and hopefully his attorney will promptly contact OGC. All of that is both absurd and false. I have had a conversation with him for years. If he wants this brought out and investigated, then yes he obviously does have to. His continued refusal to speak with us only hurts his case. I've contacted Congressional OGC to reach out to him. So they can explain the law. Haven't had a conversation for years Our statement will simply be that he's refused to speak with AARO oso OK, sounds good. Happy to help when I can. Don't hesitate to kick my tires if I'm off base on something Btw, there isn't a Congressional OGC as such. Tx, if There are congressional lawyers that get law To be clear, whom should Dave expect to hear from if you cannot provide a POC at DoD? / Vet law re l Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 6 I'm not giving my contact info out. Given the hititeletReint end,threate„ illettxityme,hir a secure mechanism. - NO I Chris Mellon He obviously doesn't have to do so and he oven said 'How do I know Sean is not a target of the ongoing criminal investigation' (!) However, that being said, I ,. And yes, you are defending and adjudicating, and you're undermining the very organization you purported to help establish for this purpose. 10 45 Chris Mellon @ Vet law m 1,r AM go Tu.,, Jun 13 Hill OGC generally advise members only, They advise their employers, not members of the public It's either a lawyer at the Hill or a lawyer in DoD. Who am I sending them to? Either the law is law or we can scrub having anyone else come see AARO. lo 20 AV You can't tell Chuck to go to various committees on the Hill. It needs to be someone who represents AARO in the Executive Branch. There are a dozen Hill committees with Majority and Minority counsel who may not even agree. Depends on how badly people want this sorted. Send me chuck's contact info. A,1 ato Not without his permission obviously. How about I relay your contact info here to Chuck? This will get sorted, of that I have no doubt. It is only a matter of how quickly and by whom. Really? Odd, I try to bring everyone to AARO I can; I am trying to help put Dave in touch with your GC if you can provide simple contact info; I'm not judging the claims between you and Dave and have not claimed his claims are accurate, I've said he is sincere and credible and his and other claims, which I expressly called "allegations,"warrant investigation. I have no idea what u or Dave discussed or when and I'm not taking a position on that or even the underlying claim of recovered materials. So I'm kind... Read More Dave can now sa 'Sean has refused to • rovide me or attorne the contact information that would allow us to Messacr IP Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 7 S'` 414% Mi Chris Mellon t. I'm not giving my contact info out Given the howootiimont and threats. That's why we have a secure mechanism. Tuo. Jun 13 Chris Mellon He obviously doesn't have to do so and ho oven said 'How do I know Sean is not a target of the ongoing criminal investigation (!) However, that being said, L. And yes, you are defending and adjudicating, and you're undermining the very organization you purported to help establish for this purpose Ay Really? Odd, I try to bring everyone to AARO I can; I am trying to help put Dave in touch with your GC if you can provide simple contact info; I'm not judging the claims between you and Dave and have not claimed his claims are accurate. I've said he is sincere and credible and his and other claims, which I expressly called "allegations:warrant investigation. I have no idea what u or Dave discussed or when and I'm not taking a position on that or even the underlying claim of recovered materials. So I'm kind... Read More Dave can now say, "Sean has refused to provide me or my attorney the contact information that would allow us to discuss legal concerns we have with providing testimony to AARO." I an not your enemy and I am not saying this to provoke or irritate you; moreover having once been in similar jobs I recognize you have a big pile of work and responsibility on your plate. I only mention this because it seems you must have some legal representation and assuming they are competent it seems to me a discussion it would help to get Dave's testimony into your system. That it seems to me should be a win for all. I've asked OGC for contact info. 7 pv Great! Waiting to hear back. I will be happy to provide that to Dave and Chuck it you like. I think you have a fascinating and important lob and I want nothing more than to see the process work. Please don't think I am out to make your Job harder. 15 PM Actually, Dave can't say any such thing since he hasn't asked me for anything. Only you. , , ao Actually, he probably can and might! But that doesn't matter, I have no specific reason to believe he will and lam not proposing that to him. Just trying to close the loop and move things toward a good outcome. Thanks. 7111PM O Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 8 CI% Chris Mellon 100', MB t. 1,3 I've asked OGC for contact info Great! Waiting to hear back. CO I will be happy to provide that to Dave and Chuck if you like. I think you have a fascinating and important job and I want nothing more than to see the process work. Please don't think I am out to make your job harder. Actually, Dave can't say any such thing since he hasn't asked me for anything. Only you. Actually, he probably can and might! But that doesn't matter, I have no specific reason to believe he will arid I am not proposing that to him. Just trying to close the loop and move things toward a good outcome. Thanks. Yostarday You tot d,t3op4'mring melon+, time to 1 week This is official position of the Pentagon, released to media Tuesday, approved by OGC and the Secretary: 'By law, AARO may receive all UAP-related information, including any classified national security information involving military, intelligence, and intelligence-related activities, at all levels of classification regardless of any restrictive access controls, special access programs, or compartmented access programs. Moreover, there is no restriction to AARO receiving any past or present UAP-related in... Read More Totl or,r Now Messages I've passed that along to Dave for his attorney's review. Per your message above I'll seek to avoid further communication unless it is something that seems extraordinarily urgent or you initiate. Well OK! I'll get that off to Dave and his attorney this morning. Thanks. IP Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 9 10:20 5G MI (b)(6) Mon, Jun 26 Do you number and/or email for David Grusch? Iwould like to invite him in for an interview. 8:10 PM (0 Yeah, but let me ask him first. He has bad blood with Sean going back to 2015.I'lltell him that only you want to talk to him. 11:15 PM Sounds like a plan. Thank you 11.45 PM WI AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 § 1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 10 10:21 •• 5G I• l► < .___ l �K• _ ) ___ ___, Tue, Jun 27 Dang it! Dave will on1y say that Sean knows how to contact him. _· � There really is bad blood with Sean from Dave's perspective. 5 : 46 PM Interesting response. Well, thanks for checking-Much appreciated. 7:25 PM (0 AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 § 1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 11 AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 §1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032 Page 12 AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 §1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032 Page 13 David Grusch (b)(6) Monday. lant an/ 8.10141:44 PM (b)(6) From: Sent: To: Subject: Re: Contact Request From: David Grusch (b)(6) Sent: Sunday, Novem er 19, 2023 6:03 PM To: Subject: Re: Contact Request (b)(6) Good Afternoon, Thank you will review. Please address my specific concerns that I sent via email on 19 Nov 23. DG (b)(6) On Mon. Jan 8. 2024. 12:27 PM Nrote: (b)(6) Mr. Grusch, During our conversation on November 10th, 2023, we discussed your comfort level with relaying sensitive information to AARO and the possibility of AARO obtaining a memo from CAPCO that clearly states that AARO can receive CAP information (similar to the SAPCO memo I provided you). Attached is that memo from the ODNI CAPCO. Again, I want to reiterate that in accordance with the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, AARO is authorized to receive any information related to UAP regardless of classification, and notwithstanding any nondisclosure agreement you may have signed. Our invitation to discuss possible U.S. Government programs, events, or activities related to UAP still stands. Have a good afternoon, (b)(6) 1 AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 §1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 14 (b)(6) wrote: Thank you for your email. I had expressed specific concerns, both directly via email and through counsel, and those specific concerns have not yet been addressed in writing. Please reference those emails in this chain. DG On Sun. Nov 19, 2023. 4:16 PM (b)(6) Good Evening, Mr. Grusch, We invite you to speak to AARO regarding any U.S. government programs or activities related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) dating back to 1945. In accordance with the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, AARO is authorized to receive any information related to UAP regardless of classification, and notwithstanding any nondisclosure agreement you may have signed. We would be glad to meet with you in a SCIF so that you could share information with us. (b)(6) AARO From: David Grusch )( Sent: Tuesday. November 14. 2023 4:35:36 PM To: (b)(6) (b)(6) Subject: Re: Contact Request (b6) Thank you. I apologize for the confusion this morning about my whereabouts. I should been more clear in my email on Monday. DG 2 AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 §1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 15 On Tue, Nov 14, 2023, 3:37 PM p x6) (b)(6) wrote: Mr. Grusch, We received your email and we will get back to you shortly. r6) 3 From: David Grusch (b)(6) Sent: Tuesday. Novem oer 14 2023 10 . 36 AM To (b)(6) (b)(6) Subject: Re: Contact Request AARO Staff, With due respect, I will need answers to my questions before I will be comfortable meeting. Please provide responses so that we can hopefully move forward and schedule a meeting. The law may grant your office need-to-know, but does not establish policies and procedures with various data owners. I have managed multi-compartmented activities throughout my entire career and have multiple DCSA security professional certifications. I did not ask these questions for mere curiosity. DG AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 §1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 16 On Tue. Nov 14. 2023. 5:37 A d (b)(6) (b)(6) wrote: Mr. Grusch, The law is clear in that we can receive information at all classification levels. We can discuss when you come in. - From: David Grusch1Tb)(6) ST : Monday. November 13. 2023 12:24:06 PM (b)(6) (b)(6) Subject: Re: Contact Request Good Morning (b)(6) Thank you for sending these items. As a former agency-level SAPMO and CAPCO I take security policies very seriously. In the DoD SAPCO memo, the term "UAP-related" is not defined. FY23 NDAA Sec. 1673 Subsection B defines it as the following: "any activity or program by a department or agency of the Federal Government or a contractor of such a department or agency relating to unidentified anomalous phenomena, including with respect to material retrieval, material analysis, reverse engineering, research and development, detection and tracking, developmental or operational testing, and security protections and enforcement." The key issue here is that many of these activities have conventional classified and compartmented Security Classification Guides that also cover non-UAP activities as well. To discuss the UAP-related activities would also expose these conventional SAP mission areas. An oral history interview subject must also be absolved of this obligation to protect this information as well, some of it may be bigoted or WAIVED (lAW DODI 5205.11 and 10 USC Sec 119). Furthermore, as discussed Friday, I am seeking a ODNI CAPCO determination to absolve an oral history interview subject of any NDA's relating to UAP-related and adjacent (as stated above) IC CAP information. Additionally, in my particular case, in order to horizontally protect a portion of my oral history testimony previously provided to ICIG and the intelligence committees, we would need to conduct the interview at the HCS-Operations (0) Restricted 4 AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 §1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 17 Handling (RH) level (lAW DNI CAPCO manual Sec. 4). Has the CIA Office of Security (OS) or Directorate of Operations (DO) provided a memo in this regard for oral history interview subjects? Has the OS provided a memo to also cover managed-need-to-know (MNTK) projects not directly reported to ODNI CAPCO? Lastly, what signed policy does AARO have to receive non-title-10 SAPs (ie, DOE and NSC)? Has the EOP NSC Security Director, Director National Program Management Staff OUSD(I&S), or DOE SAPCO/SAPOC provided a memo similar to the DoD SAPCO memo you provided? v/r, DG On Mon Nov 13. 2023 at 8:13 AM (b)(6) (b)(6) wrote: 1 Mr. Grusch, 1 Attached are the two items we spoke about: • The Verbal Legal Advisement that we review prior to the start of every interview. • The MFR from SAPCO that makes it clear that AARO can receive compartmented information from interviewees. Our address is (b)(6) I will meet you in the lobby. See you tomorrow at 1000, (b)(6) i 5 AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 §1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 18 From: David Grusch I Sent: Friday. November 10. 2023 11:05 AM To: (b)(6) (b)(6) Cc: (b)(6) (b)(6) Subject: Contact Request Good Morning, (b)(6) This is for for coordination purposes. Please give me a call to discuss conditions and admin items (b)(6) V/r, David Grusch 6 AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 §1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032 Page 19

From: Sent: Thursday, June 8, 2023 11:19 AM To: Kirkpatrick, Sean M HQE OSD OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) From: Kirkpatrick, Sean M HOE OSD OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA) Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 10:05 AM To: Subject: FW: Dave Grusch (b)(6) For the records. Please save. Note the opening paragraph at the beginning of this email thread from (b)(6) From: Sent: Thursday, June 8, 2023 11:27 AM To: Kirknatrirk Sean M HOF OSO 011SO INTFI SEC (USA) 1 Kozik, David A SES OSD OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA) (b)(6) Lc: (b)(6) Subject: RE: Dave Grusch (b)(6) (b)(6) I (b)(6) You know how things work. He could have heard that a pgm is waived. What do you mean by "you're free to ask"? What UAP-related IG investigation are you referring to? The one on Grusch or the broader review? From: Kirkpatrick, Sean M HOE OSD OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA) Sent: Thursday, June 8, 2023 11:24 AM (b)(6) To: (b)(6) (b)(6) Kozik, David A SES OSD OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA)1 (b)(6) Subject: RE: Dave Grusch He wouldn't know if it was waived if he "found" it, and as I said, I know what he was actually briefed to. I've been told by the IG the UAP related investigation has been closed for a year — he is free to tell us, and you're free to ask. There is no excuse for not providing an authorized disclosure. 1 (b)(6) AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 §1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 20 Kozik, David A SES OSD OUSD To: (b)(6) INTEL & SEC (USA) (b)(6) (b)(6) From: Kirkpatrick, Sean M HOE OSD OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA Sent: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 6:53 PM (b)(6) (b)(6) From: ' Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 5:56:19 PM To: "Kirkpatrick, Sean M HOE 9SD OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA)" OSD OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA)f 6 (b)(6) (b)(6) Kozik, David A SES (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) Kozik, David A SES OSD OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA (b)(6) Subject: RE: Dave Grusch He cannot tell SASC staff ANYTHING once he entered the IG process. We are forbidden from even asking. Furthermore, if a waived SAP is involved, he cannot talk to SASC staff about it because we are not accessed. From: (b)(6) Sent: Thursday, June 8, 2023 7:50 AM To: Kirkpatrick. Sean M HOE OSD OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA (b)(6) Kozik, David A SES OSD OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) Subject: RE: Dave Grusch Tracking thanks Sean! Subject: Re: Dave Grusch Let me expand a bit. I know everything he was briefed to and had access to, and have far greater access. So he did not have access to some DoD SAP that the IC didn't have (and if he did, he could've told you). Similarly, he didn't have access to some IC CAP that couldn't be shared. If he "found" some program, he wouldn't know who's it was unless he had super user access or someone who did helped him look it up. He didn't. Therefore, he can't make the argument that whatever he "found" couldn't be shared. If he or others thought it was an illegal program, then again, he can't make the argument that it couldn't be shared with either the DoD or the IC committees based on his assertion they didn't have clearances. It sounds very much like playing the two halves against the middle to hide something. Subject: RE: Dave Grusch Sean — press reports indicate that he said he could not provide everything he knows to the INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEES because they were not cleared, so I concluded that he had access to some DOD SAP that the Intel Committee are not accessed to — and inferred that the IC IG would not have access either. (b)(6) From: Kirkpatrick, Sean M HOE OSD OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA) Sent: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 5:50 PM To 2 (b)(6) Kozik, David A SES OSD OUSD AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 §1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 21 INTEL & SEC USA (b)(6) I (b)(6) Subject: Re: Dave Grusch All-I did speak with the DoDIG. They went on my behalf to the ICIG to request the classified transcript. Why? Because Grusch gave NOTHING to the DoDIG and claimed the same thing he told you - that it was IC compartmented information and they couldn't have it. The ICIG declined to acquiesce to my request. I am fairly confident I know what compartments he is referring to, because I did my job, but I cannot confirm 100% if he doesn't come see me. As DK points out, the SSCI could give me the transcript. Sean From: (b)(6) Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 5:41:46 PM To: "Kozik, David A SES Op OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA)" (b)(6) "Kirkpatrick, Sean M HOE OSD OUSD INTFI g SFC (I ISA) l I (" 6) (b)(6) Cc (b)(6) Subject: RE: Dave Grusch Really helpful, Dave, thanks. Did not know that executive branch folks are in the same boat we are. Will urge Grusch to come through Sean's portal. From: Kozik, David A SES OSD OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA) Sent: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 5:36 PM (b)(6) (b)(6) TO: (b)(6) Kirkpatrick, Sean M HOE OSD OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA) (b)(6) (b)(6) Subject: Re: Dave Grusch (b)(6) Weighing in— there's no way in heck that DoD and IC IG will give any third party raw information, ever. IG investigations are a black box for a reason. The best Sean will get from them is a filtered report that the IG releases to everyone. Bottom line: best COA is still for Mr. Grusch to speak to AARO per their confidential process (the one Congress directed in law). If he doesn't, I fear the best assessment you will ever get from AARO is a reflection of a reflection. FYI, Sean won't have an access problem, ie he has no SAP/CAP restrictions— it's just the IG divide. Of course, if he did speak to the intel committees, they could always provide their transcripts/notes to Sean for his review. My two cents. VR 3 AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 §1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 22 DK (b)(6) From: Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 10:24:52 PM To: "Kirkpatrick, Sean M HQE OSD OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA)" OSD OUSD INTEL & SEC (USA)" (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) 'Kozik, David A SES Subject: Dave Grusch Sean: Grusch confirmed to me that he does not intend to avail himself of the AARO "Safe harbor" process to tell you what he spent many hours telling the DoD IG, the IC IG, and the two intelligence committees about UAP. He has reported through the media in recent days that he was not able to share some of the information he has with the two intelligence committees because they lacked the program accesses. Assuming accurate media reporting, that means that he has told either/both DoD/IC IGs about one or more SAPs that the Intel Committees are not accessed to. The Armed Services Committees are not allowed by process rules to interview Grusch about any of this because the IC whistleblower process is tightly controlled by the Intel Committees. What this means is that the DoD/IC IGs know something from Grusch that Congress as a whole is not aware of. That is a reason for you to go to the IGs and ask for access, as they deem appropriate, for you to what Grusch is reporting. If waived programs are involved, there would need to be a way for you to convey this to our staff directors. But there is also just a basic reason for you to try to get all the information that Grusch has provided to the IGs. 4 AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 §1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 23 From: Sent: To: Subject: (b)(6) Tuesday, November 14, 2023 10:34 AM David Grusch Re: Contact Request I've been waiting in the lobby over 30 minutes. Are you showing up? From: David Grusch (b)(6) Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 12:24:06 PM TO: ( " 6) Subject: Re: Contact Request Good Morning (b)(6) Thank you for sending these items. As a former agency-level SAPMO and CAPCO I take security policies very seriously. In the DoD SAPCO memo, the term "UAP-related" is not defined. FY23 NDAA Sec. 1673 Subsection B defines it as the following: "any activity or program by a department or agency of the Federal Government or a contractor of such a department or agency relating to unidentified anomalous phenomena, including with respect to material retrieval, material analysis, reverse engineering, research and development, detection and tracking, developmental or operational testing, and security protections and enforcement." The key issue here is that many of these activities have conventional classified and compartmented Security Classification Guides that also cover non-UAP activities as well. To discuss the UAP-related activities would also expose these conventional SAP mission areas. An oral history interview subject must also be absolved of this obligation to protect this information as well, some of it may be bigoted or WAIVED (lAW DODI 5205.11 and 10 USC Sec 119). Furthermore, as discussed Friday, I am seeking a ODNI CAPCO determination to absolve an oral history interview subject of any NDA's relating to UAP-related and adjacent (as stated above) IC CAP information. Additionally, in my particular case, in order to horizontally protect a portion of my oral history testimony previously provided to ICIG and the intelligence committees, we would need to conduct the interview at the HCS-Operations (0) Restricted Handling (RH) level (lAW DNI CAPCO manual Sec. 4). Has the CIA Office of Security (OS) or Directorate of Operations (DO) provided a memo in this regard for oral history interview subjects? Has the OS provided a memo to also cover managed-need-to- know (MNTK) projects not directly reported to ODNI CAPCO? Lastly, what signed policy does AARO have to receive non-title-10 SAPs (ie, DOE and NSC)? Has the EOP NSC Security Director, Director National Program Management Staff OUSD(I&S), or DOE SAPCO/SAPOC provided a memo similar to the DoD SAPCO memo you provided? v/r, DG On Mon, Nov 13, 2023 at 8:13 AM (b)(6) (b)(6) vrote: Mr. Grusch, 1 AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 §1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 24 Attached are the two items we spoke about: • The Verbal Legal Advisement that we review prior to the start of every interview. • The MFR from SAPCO that makes it clear that AARO can receive compartmented information from interviewees. Our address is (b)(6) I will meet you in the lobby. See you tomorrow at 1000, (b)(6) From: David Grusch Seat: Friday. November 10. 202 t 11:05 AM To (b)(6) CC: (b)(6) Subject: Contact Request Good Morning, This is for (13)(6) for coordination purposes. Please give me a call to discuss conditions and admin items: (b)(6) V/r, David Grusch 2 (b)(6) AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 §1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 25 UNCLASSIFIED OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE WASHINGTON, DC SUBJECT: Authorization to Provide Information to Personnel Representing the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (OUSD(l&S)) REFERENCE: Section 1673 of the National Defen.,e Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 Representatives of the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) are authorized to speak to persons and/or conduct interviews of persons that currently have, or previously had, access to saisitivo U.S. Government (USG) infonnation, activities, and/or materials. Individuals with current or previous access to Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP)-related or presumed relevant infonnation which is subject to a USG Nondisclosure Agreement are authorized to provide this otherwise protected information to AARO representatives. AARO personnel are authorized to receive this information pursuant to Section 1673 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NOAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. The provision of UAP-related information which is subj�t to a Nondisclosure Agreement to AARO pcrsoMel constitutes en authorized disclosure if the infonnation is provided and received for the limited purpose of conducting AARO,s assigned mission as specified in Section 1683 of the NOAA for FYZ022, as am.ended by Section 6802 of the NOAA for FY2023. AARO representatives will conduct any cooversation. interview, or disclosure of USG sensitive information by an individual only within appropriate secure spaces and handled in accordance with the regulations applicable to the alleged classifacation level of the potentially sensitive information discussed, (e.g., if the individual providing the infonnation indicates that he/she believes the information to be shared is classified 'tQR iEQUii;J.11.,QJ or�. the AARO representatives will handle t h e information in accordance with such level at intake and until the classification can be detennined). Persons in contact with, or interviewed by, AARO representatives are advised that they are to continue safeguarding classified and sensitive infonnation in accordance with U.S. law and the terms of any applicable Nondisclosure Agreement. An individual's autllorized disclosur� of sensitive information to AARO representatives are outlined in this memorandum in no way impacts that individual's responsibility to protect and safeguard classified infonnation from unauthori.z (b)(6) Access Programs Central Office UNCLASSIFIED AARO FY2024 NDAA 44 U.S.C. 2107 §1843(a)(3) Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032

Page 26 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE 3200 DEFENSE PENTAGON WASHINGTON, DC 20301-3200 MAR 08 2023 MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD SUBJECT: Authorization to Provide Information to Personnel Representing the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (OUSD(I&S)) References: Section 1673 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 1.Representatives of the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) are authorized to speak to persons and/or conduct interviews of persons that currently have, or previously had, access to sensitive U.S. Government (USG) information, activities, and/or materials. 2. Individuals with current or previous access to Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP)-related information which is subject to a USG Nondisclosure Agreement are authorized to provide this otherwise protected information to AARO representatives. AARO personnel are authorized to receive this information pursuant to Section 1673 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. The provision of UAP-related information which is subject to a Nondisclosure Agreement to AARO personnel constitutes an authorized disclosure if the information is provided and received for the limited purpose of conducting AARO's assigned mission as specified in Section 1683 of the NDAA for FY2022, as amended by Section 6802 of the NDAA for FY2023. 3. AARO representatives will conduct any conversation, interview, or disclosure of USG sensitive information by an individual only within appropriate secure spaces and handled in accordance with the regulations applicable to the alleged classification level of the potentially sensitive information discussed, (e.g., if the individual providing the information indicates that he/she believes the information to be shared is classified TOP CECIlET, special access required, the AARO representatives will handle the information in accordance with such a level at intake and until the classification can be determined). 4. Persons in contact with, or interviewed by, AARO representatives are advised that they are to continue safeguarding classified and sensitive information in accordance with U.S. law and the terms of any applicable Nondisclosure Agreement. An individual's authorized disclosure of sensitive information to AARO representatives as outlined in this memorandum in no way impacts that individual's responsibility to protect and safeguard classified information from unauthorized disclosure. DAVID W. ABBA Maj Gen, USAF Director, DoD Special Access Program Central Office Page determined to be Unclassified Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C) Date: 03/27/2025 032