What term refers to the 'entity' to which an agency might release classified information, including contractors?

• A. Entity
• B. Downgrade
• C. Dual-use
• D. ECP

Answer: (A)

The concept here is naming who can receive classified information. The word that designates the recipient, including contractors, is “entity.” In classification handling, an entity can be a person, an organization, a contractor, or any other authorized recipient that has a need to know and is cleared to receive the material under proper safeguards. The other options don’t describe the recipient: a downgrade is about lowering the classification level, dual-use refers to information with both civilian and military applications, and ECP denotes a control point or process related to handling or policy, not the recipient. So the term that fits the description best is entity.