In derivative classification, contractors must do which of the following?

• A. Properly mark all classified information they generate, or derivatively classify.
• B. Mark none.
• C. Declassify automatically after 90 days.
• D. Mark as unclassified.

Answer: (A)

Derivatives of classified information must carry the same protection as the original material, so you always mark what you generate that is derived from classified sources. This marking shows the classification level, the authority or source of that classification, and the date, so anyone handling the material knows how to protect it and who issued the classification. That’s why properly marking derivative material is required.

If nothing is marked, or if material is marked as unclassified, it can be mishandled or disclosed inappropriately, which violates security rules. The idea that material automatically declassifies after a fixed period isn’t a general rule for derivative classifications, and marking something as unclassified when it’s derived from classified information is inaccurate.