What it is

The Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) is a nonprofit organization serving the intelligence and national security community. It was founded in 1979 as the Security Affairs Support Association (SASA). In November 2005 its board voted to become INSA, and the organization moved from Maryland to Arlington, Virginia. A 1988 SASA memo described its aim as enhancing relationships and understanding among government, industry and academe. Its affiliated Intelligence and National Security Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that works on public discourse and intelligence careers.

What it offers founders

For companies working with intelligence agencies, INSA provides structured ways to meet government officials and peers and to contribute to policy discussions:

  • Councils: member groups on Acquisition Management, Cyber, Space Intelligence, Security Policy Reform, Technology and Innovation (with an AI subcommittee), a Legal Affairs Roundtable and Intelligence Champions.
  • Events: programs such as SCIF After Hours in Chantilly, some of which require a high-level security clearance, and workshops in Arlington.
  • Awards: the William Oliver Baker Award Dinner and Achievement Awards.
  • Publications: white papers, news and podcasts.
  • Talent programs: through the Foundation, scholarships, a Graduate Student Internship Program and a SkillBridge Fellowship.

Membership and pricing

INSA publishes annual dues. Company-wide levels range from 2,500 dollars for Small Business and Academia to 6,250 dollars (Silver), 12,500 dollars (Gold), 28,000 dollars (Platinum) and 44,000 dollars (President's Circle), with benefits extending to all company employees. The Small Business tier includes member pricing on programs, council and advocacy participation, volunteer leader eligibility and a logo on the INSA website. Individual membership is 300 dollars and student membership is 20 dollars for full-time students in intelligence or national security degrees. Details are on the membership page.

How to engage

Founders can attend an event from the events calendar to gauge fit, keeping in mind that some sessions require a clearance. A small company selling to the intelligence community can join at the Small Business level to participate in councils, which is where members shape white papers and engage on acquisition and technology policy. Questions about membership go to membership@insaonline.org or 703.224.4672.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

Many intelligence agencies and their contractors are based in Northern Virginia and Maryland. INSA's councils and events in Arlington and Chantilly give smaller firms access to agency officials and established contractors, which can be hard to reach otherwise. See its history page for background.