If the retention beyond two years is approved, what form will the Government Contracting Activity issue to specify the authorized retention period and final disposition instructions?

If the retention beyond two years is approved, what form will the Government Contracting Activity issue to specify the authorized retention period and final disposition instructions?

• A. DD Form 254
• B. DD Form 254A
• C. SF 86
• D. SF 30

Answer: (A)

When a contract involving classified information requires keeping materials beyond two years, the official document used to specify the authorized retention period and final disposition instructions is the DD Form 254, the Department of Defense Contract Security Classification Specification. This form communicates all security requirements for the contract, including how information must be classified, safeguarded, restricted in access, and what happens to the materials when the contract ends. The Government Contracting Activity issues it to the contractor to ensure everyone understands the retention timeline and the approved method for disposing of or returning classified materials. Other forms serve different purposes—SF 86 is for personnel security investigations, SF 30 is for contract modifications, and DD Form 254A is a supplemental or subcontract-focused document—so they don’t replace the 254 for detailing retention and disposition of classified information.

When a contract involving classified information requires keeping materials beyond two years, the official document used to specify the authorized retention period and final disposition instructions is the DD Form 254, the Department of Defense Contract Security Classification Specification. This form communicates all security requirements for the contract, including how information must be classified, safeguarded, restricted in access, and what happens to the materials when the contract ends. The Government Contracting Activity issues it to the contractor to ensure everyone understands the retention timeline and the approved method for disposing of or returning classified materials. Other forms serve different purposes—SF 86 is for personnel security investigations, SF 30 is for contract modifications, and DD Form 254A is a supplemental or subcontract-focused document—so they don’t replace the 254 for detailing retention and disposition of classified information.