How should restricted data or formerly restricted data be treated when it appears in an unclassified document alongside CUI?

• A. They are classified and must not be commingled with CUI in an unclassified document.
• B. They may be included with CUI if necessary.
• C. They should be declassified before adding CUI.
• D. They should be redacted and left out.

Answer: (A)

Restricted data and formerly restricted data remain classified information. If such data appears in an unclassified document alongside controlled unclassified information, you must not mix them. Treat the RD/FRD portion as classified and handle it under the appropriate protection and marking, separating it from the unclassified CUI content. This preserves the proper classification and access controls and avoids rendering the document as a single unclassified piece.

You wouldn’t merge RD/FRD with CUI in an unclassified document, nor would you declassify them just to accommodate CUI. Redacting and leaving out RD/FRD isn’t the prescribed approach when those data elements are present, since the information still requires classification and separate handling.