Formerly Restricted Data (FRD) refers to information that was previously restricted and can be declassified by a joint determination of which two departments?

• A. Department of Energy and Department of Defense
• B. Department of State and Department of Defense
• C. Department of Energy and Department of Homeland Security
• D. Department of Commerce and Department of Defense

Answer: (A)

Formerly Restricted Data refers to nuclear weapons information that was once protected and is eligible for release only through a joint determination by the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense. This joint review brings together energy/nuclear expertise with national security considerations to decide what can be declassified without compromising safety. The two departments coordinate to assess each item’s sensitivity and determine appropriate disclosure. Other agencies, such as State, Homeland Security, or Commerce, do not have this specific authority to make FRD declassification determinations, so they aren’t the parties involved in this process.