SF Form 711: ADP Media Data Descriptor Label | Buy Now

SF Form 711: ADP Media Data Descriptor Label | Buy Now – In U.S. government and Department of Defense (DoD) environments, proper marking of classified information on electronic and automated data processing (ADP) media remains a critical requirement for national security. SF Form 711, officially known as the Data Descriptor Label, helps agencies identify additional safeguarding controls for classified data stored on disks, drives, tapes, or other media.

This article explains what SF 711 is, its purpose, specifications, proper use, and how authorized U.S. government personnel and contractors can obtain it.

What Is SF Form 711?

SF 711 is a standardized security label prescribed under federal regulations for marking classified information on automatic data processing (ADP) or other electronic media. It supplements primary classification labels (such as SF 706 Top Secret, SF 707 Secret, SF 708 Confidential, or SF 709 Classified) by providing space to note specific handling instructions, dissemination controls, or other safeguarding requirements.

The form is a self-adhesive label designed for attachment to removable or fixed media without interfering with equipment operation. It features a white background with black lettering and includes fields for entering relevant security details.

Key Specifications:

  • National Stock Number (NSN): 7540-01-207-5541
  • Revision Date: January 1987
  • Label Size: Approximately 2 9/16 inches x 1 3/8 inches
  • Format: Typically 6 labels per sheet
  • Packaging: Issued in pads (commonly referenced as 50 sheets per pad in supply descriptions, yielding around 300 labels total depending on exact configuration)
  • Features: Strong adhesive; designed for permanent application (once applied, the label is not intended for easy removal)

Purpose and Regulatory Basis

According to 32 CFR Part 2001 (Classified National Security Information), the SF 711 Data Descriptor Label identifies additional safeguarding controls for classified information stored on electronic or other media. Agencies use it as part of their risk management strategy when standard classification markings alone do not fully convey required protections, such as special dissemination limits (e.g., NOFORN), compartmented information handling, or other controls.

It is ordinarily used in conjunction with the appropriate classification level label (SF 706–709). The label must be affixed in a way that does not adversely affect the operation of the equipment or media.

Only the Director of the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) may grant waivers for alternative forms, and agencies must submit justifications for any proposed substitutes.

This requirement traces back to older regulations (e.g., 32 CFR 2003.32) and aligns with Executive Order 13526 and ISOO directives for consistent marking of classified national security information.

Who Uses SF Form 711?

  • U.S. federal agencies and DoD components handling classified information on computers, external drives, diskettes, tapes, or other ADP media
  • Security managers, information system security officers (ISSOs), and derivative classifiers
  • Government contractors (with sponsorship from their contracting agency)

It supports compliance with information security programs, including those in the Air Force, Army, and other services that reference SF 711 for marking removable media containing Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) or dissemination-limited data.

How to Properly Use the SF 711 Label?

  1. Determine Need — Use the label when additional controls beyond basic classification level are required (e.g., specific handling caveats).
  2. Complete the Fields — Fill in the required safeguarding information clearly and accurately.
  3. Apply Correctly — Affix to the medium (e.g., upper left corner of a diskette, as noted in historical guidance) in a non-interfering location. Ensure it adheres securely.
  4. Combine with Classification Labels — Pair it with the matching SF 706/707/708/709 label for full marking.
  5. Permanent Application — Once applied, the label is intended to stay in place.

Proper use prevents unauthorized disclosure, ensures accountability, and supports audit and incident response activities.

Note: Avoid applying bulky labels directly in ways that could cause mechanical issues with drives or media. Modern practices often favor pre-marked or silk-screened media for optical disks.

How to Obtain SF Form 711 (USA)?

U.S. government departments, agencies, and offices can order SF 711 through official channels:

  • Primary Source: GSA Global Supply or GSA Advantage (www.gsaglobalsupply.gsa.gov or www.gsaadvantage.gov)
  • Stock Number: 7540-01-207-5541
  • Payment: Government purchase card or Activity Address Code (AAC)
  • Contractors: Must have sponsorship from their government customer agency

Classified media labels like the SF 711 family are not freely downloadable for printing due to their specialized construction and security requirements. Contact GSA Global Supply customer assistance at 800-525-8027 (Option 3) for assistance.

For general guidance on security forms and marking, refer to the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) at the National Archives: archives.gov/isoo.

Download Resources (Reference Only)

For related publications and marking guides:

These links (provided by the user) may offer additional Air Force or DoD context on physical/electronic media handling, though official SF 711 orders go through GSA.

Why Proper Media Marking Matters in 2026?

With increasing use of removable storage, cloud-hybrid environments, and portable classified systems, consistent application of labels like SF 711 helps mitigate risks of data spillage, supports incident investigations, and ensures compliance during inspections. Failure to mark media correctly can lead to security violations and compromise national security.

Authorized personnel should consult their agency’s security manager or classified information management officer for specific implementation guidance tailored to their environment.

If you need to order SF 711 pads or have questions about integration with current DoD or Air Force policies, start with your organization’s security office or GSA Global Supply.

This article is for informational purposes and reflects publicly available federal regulations and GSA guidance as of 2026. Always verify the latest requirements with official sources such as ISOO, GSA, or your agency’s security program.