Which of the following is an authorized source for derivative classification?

Which of the following is an authorized source for derivative classification?

• A. DD Form 254, DoD Contract Security Classification Specification
• B. Unconfirmed source
• C. Public press release
• D. SF 312

Answer: (A)

The main concept tested here is that derivative classification must be based on an authorized source that provides the official classification guidance. DD Form 254, the DoD Contract Security Classification Specification, is an official document that lays out the classification requirements for information within a contract. It serves as the recognized source of guidance for what classification level applies to contract-related material, so you can apply that guidance to derivative work and cite it as the basis for your classification decision. Unconfirmed sources aren’t official and can be unreliable for determining classification. A public press release is not an official classification decision or guidance and may not reflect the precise classification status of the information. SF 312 is a nondisclosure agreement, not a source of classification guidance, so it doesn’t authorize derivative classification decisions.

The main concept tested here is that derivative classification must be based on an authorized source that provides the official classification guidance. DD Form 254, the DoD Contract Security Classification Specification, is an official document that lays out the classification requirements for information within a contract. It serves as the recognized source of guidance for what classification level applies to contract-related material, so you can apply that guidance to derivative work and cite it as the basis for your classification decision.

Unconfirmed sources aren’t official and can be unreliable for determining classification. A public press release is not an official classification decision or guidance and may not reflect the precise classification status of the information. SF 312 is a nondisclosure agreement, not a source of classification guidance, so it doesn’t authorize derivative classification decisions.