If the Government Contracting Activity does not instruct otherwise, how long may contractors retain copies of U.S. government classified information after contract completion?

• A. One year
• B. Two years
• C. Three years
• D. Five years

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is the default retention period for copies of classified information after a contract ends. When the Government Contracting Activity doesn’t direct a different timeframe, contractors may keep copies for two years. This period gives enough time to close out the contract, handle any follow-on actions or audits, and preserve necessary records without prolonging exposure to sensitive material.

During those two years, all copies must remain safeguarded just as they were during the contract: they should be properly marked, stored securely, and accessible only to individuals with the appropriate clearance. At the end of the period, the contractor should return the material to the government or destroy it according to approved procedures. If the government explicitly requires a different retention period for a specific contract or type of information, that instruction overrides the default.