Which of the following is NOT a scenario in which classified information must be returned or destroyed?

• A. When a contractor's FCL is terminated
• B. Within 180 days after opening date of the bid, proposal, or quote if it was not submitted or if it was withdrawn
• C. Within two years after receipt of the classified information if it was not obtained under a specific contract
• D. Within 180 days after notification that the submitted bid, proposal, or quote had not been accepted

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is how and when classified information must be disposed of as a project or contract ends. When a contractor’s Facility Clearance is terminated, all classified material in that contractor’s possession must be returned or destroyed. In the bidding process, if a bid or proposal is opened but not submitted or is withdrawn, the classified information related to that bid must be returned or destroyed within 180 days after the opening date. If a submitted bid or proposal is not accepted, the same 180-day window applies after you’re notified it was not accepted. These rules exist to prevent unnecessary retention of sensitive information and to ensure proper safeguarding during procurement.

The two-year timeline described in the option about information not obtained under a specific contract does not align with these standard disposition triggers. There isn’t a general two-year requirement to return or destroy classified information in these procurement scenarios, so that scenario does not fit the typical safeguards.