DATA ITEM DESCRIPTION
Title: Key Specification (KS)
Number: DI-TMSS-82312
Approval Date: 20191218
AMSC Number: 10135 Limitation: N/A
DTIC Applicable: No GIDEP Applicable: No
Preparing Activity: NS Project Number: TMSS-2020-003
Applicable Forms: None
Use/Relationship: The Key Specification (KS) describes the ordering, generation, distribution, and
validation of the key material.
a. Key Generation: The KS should designate and describe all types, uses and formats of key required
by the application. The KS should also describe the data format, encryption algorithms, parity,
checkword algorithms, data constraints, and relationships of one cryptographic application key to
another.
b. Key Distribution/Consumption: The KS should describe the type of key and Meta data or fill object
the equipment/system will consume. The KS should tailor the mission key and supporting delivery
data standards selected from the electronic key delivery references (Electronic Key Management
System (EKMS) and Key Management Infrastructure (KMI)) for consumption by the
equipment/system based on the Key and Certification Management Plan (KCMP). Note: Over-the-
Network Keying is the recommended solution to ensure mission key confidentiality and integrity
through distribution and use to ultimate destruction.
c. Key Validation: The KS should contain the results of associated tests to verify that the cryptographic
key validation material received agree with the cryptographic key requirements stipulated in the
KCMP and KS for the equipment/system. It details the test requirements, describes the tests
performed and provides the associated test results and analysis. It is used by the Government to
indicate format, function and compatibility acceptance of the cryptographic key software,
developed from KS submittal, and resulting key material for use in the equipment/system.
d. This Data Item Description (DID) contains format and content preparation instructions for the data
product generated by the specific and discrete task requirement as delineated in the legal
agreement, as the KS.
e. This DID is applicable to systems and equipment requiring cryptographic key material.
f. This DID is related to the Tailored Security Design and Analysis Requirements Specification.
g. This DID supersedes prior reference to DI-MISC-80508B titled Technical Report-Study/Services.
Requirements:
1. Reference documents: The applicable issue of the documents cited herein, including their approval
dates and dates of any applicable amendments, notices, and revisions, shall be as specified in the
legal agreement.
1.1. National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) Policy Manual 1-52
1.2. Technical Security Requirements List (TSRD) for User Partnership Program (UPP), Commercial
Communications Security Evaluation Program (CCEP), and Waveforms, Section 2.9
1.3. Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) Policy 30, Cryptographic Key Protection
