Sec.  68.2   Scope.

   (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the rules
   and regulations apply to direct connection of all terminal equipment to the
   public switched telephone network for use in conjunction with all services
   other than party line services.

   (b)  National  defense and security. Where the Secretary of Defense or
   authorized agent or the head of any other governmental department, agency,
   or administration (approved in writing by the Commission to act pursuant to
   this  rule)  or authorized representative, certifies in writing to the
   appropriate common carrier that compliance with the provisions of part 68
   could result in the disclosure of communications equipment or security
   devices, locations, uses, personnel, or activity which would adversely
   affect the national defense and security, such equipment or security devices
   may be connected to the telephone company provided communications network
   without compliance with this part, provided that each written certification
   states that:

   (1) The connection is required in the interest of national defense and
   security;

   (2)  The  equipment or device to be connected either complies with the
   technical  criteria  pertaining  thereto or will not cause harm to the
   nationwide telephone network or to employees of any provider of wireline
   telecommunications; and

   (3) The installation is performed by well-trained, qualified employees under
   the  responsible supervision and control of a person who is a licensed
   professional engineer in the jurisdiction in which the installation is
   performed.

   (c) Governmental departments, agencies, or administrations that wish to
   qualify for interconnection of equipment or security devices pursuant to
   this section shall file a request with the Secretary of this Commission
   stating  the  reasons  why the exemption is requested. A list of these
   departments, agencies, or administrations that have filed requests shall be
   published in the Federal Register. The Commission may take action with
   respect to those requests 30 days after publication. The Commission action
   shall be published in the Federal Register. However, the Commission may
   grant, on less than the normal notice period or without notice, special
   temporary authority, not to exceed 90 days, for governmental departments,
   agencies, or administrations that wish to qualify for interconnection of
   equipment or security devices pursuant to this section. Requests for such
   authority shall state the particular fact and circumstances why authority
   should be granted on less than the normal notice period or without notice.
   In such cases, the Commission shall endeavor to publish its disposition as
   promptly as possible in the Federal Register.

   [ 66 FR 7580 , Jan. 24, 2001]