If retention authority is needed for a prospective Navy contract after Army, within what timeframe should the request be made?

If retention authority is needed for a prospective Navy contract after Army, within what timeframe should the request be made?

• A. One month
• B. 180 days
• C. One year
• D. Two weeks

Answer: (A)

Retention authority must be requested promptly so there’s no gap in safeguarding when a Navy contract follows Army work. Submitting the request within one month gives the security office enough time to review eligibility, coordinate approvals, and update controls before the new contract starts, keeping classified information properly protected throughout the transition. Waiting longer—like several months or a year—can create unnecessary delays and risk lapses in access. Going shorter than a month (such as two weeks) is typically not enough processing time for the necessary reviews. So, one month is the right window to initiate the request.

Retention authority must be requested promptly so there’s no gap in safeguarding when a Navy contract follows Army work. Submitting the request within one month gives the security office enough time to review eligibility, coordinate approvals, and update controls before the new contract starts, keeping classified information properly protected throughout the transition. Waiting longer—like several months or a year—can create unnecessary delays and risk lapses in access. Going shorter than a month (such as two weeks) is typically not enough processing time for the necessary reviews. So, one month is the right window to initiate the request.