FAIRs for classified programs should be stored only in repositories authorized for the program’s classification level, contract requirements, and customer flowdowns. In many cases, that means an approved classified network or controlled document repository, not the standard MES, QMS, PLM, supplier portal, shared drive, email system, or commercial cloud FAI tool. AS9102 recordkeeping needs do not override classification rules, export controls, CUI handling requirements, customer restrictions, or need-to-know access controls.
The storage decision should come from the program security requirements and contract flowdowns. For U.S. defense work, that may include a Security Classification Guide, DD Form 254, export control determinations, CUI markings, retention requirements, and customer-specific instructions. Other jurisdictions and customers have their own equivalents.
This is not a generic IT storage decision. Quality, engineering, security, export control, contracts, and the customer may all have a role. The manufacturer should not assume that a system is acceptable because it is used for AS9102, because it is cloud-hosted in a government region, or because it supports audit trails.
A practical approach is often to separate the controlled FAIR package from limited operational metadata. The classified or otherwise controlled content may include ballooned drawings, design characteristics, measurement results tied to restricted specifications, material or process details, customer approvals, and attachments. That content should stay in the approved repository for that program.
Limited metadata may be allowed in MES, ERP, PLM, or QMS systems if the contract and security rules permit it. Examples might include a FAIR status, internal record number, part family, lot or serial reference, revision, approval state, or a pointer to the authorized repository. Even this metadata needs review, because filenames, part descriptions, notes, defect descriptions, and supplier names can leak sensitive program information.
Many plants already manage FAIR workflows through AS9102 software, QMS modules, PLM document control, MES inspection records, or customer portals such as supplier quality platforms. Those systems may be suitable for unclassified or controlled unclassified work only if they meet the applicable contractual and security requirements. They are not automatically suitable for classified FAIR content.
FedRAMP, GCC High, DFARS 7012 alignment, CMMC preparation, encryption, or role-based access can be relevant controls, but none of them by itself authorizes storage of classified information. If the FAIR contains classified information, the storage environment must be approved for that classification and program use.
In established aerospace operations, FAIR evidence often touches MES, ERP, PLM, QMS, document control, calibration, nonconformance, and supplier systems. Replacing all of those systems for one classified program is usually unrealistic because of validation cost, qualification burden, downtime risk, integration complexity, traceability obligations, and long asset lifecycles.
The safer pattern is usually controlled coexistence: keep classified FAIR content in the approved environment, then use validated interfaces, restricted references, or manual cross-references where needed. The weak point is often not the main repository but exports, attachments, thumbnails, search indexing, temporary files, backups, report packages, screenshots, and emailed copies.
The exact controls are site- and contract-specific, but the following are commonly important:
The most common failure is treating a classified FAIR as a normal AS9102 record and uploading it into an unapproved FAI, QMS, PLM, or cloud repository. Other failures include leaking sensitive information through metadata, duplicating attachments into multiple systems, allowing uncontrolled supplier access, retaining copies in backups outside the approved boundary, and losing traceability because records were over-redacted or manually rekeyed without verification.
The right storage model is therefore not just “secure storage.” It is controlled storage with traceability, limited propagation, validated workflows, and clear ownership between quality, engineering, IT, security, export control, and the customer. It should be documented and change-controlled before classified FAIR data is created, imported, or submitted.
Whether you're managing 1 site or 100, Connect 981 adapts to your environment and scales with your needs—without the complexity of traditional systems.
Whether you're managing 1 site or 100, C-981 adapts to your environment and scales with your needs—without the complexity of traditional systems.
