Agency heads are responsible for ensuring that designated subordinate officials have a demonstrable and continuing need to exercise Original Classification Authority.

• A. False
• B. Not specified
• C. True
• D. Only in certain cases

Answer: (C)

Original Classification Authority is delegated to individuals to originate classification decisions, but that power must be tightly supported by the official’s ongoing duties. Agency heads have a duty to verify that those designated to exercise OCA actually need it to perform their role and to review that need over time. This ensures classification decisions come from someone whose responsibilities require it and helps prevent unnecessary or lingering classifications. If a subordinate no longer has duties that require origination of classification, their designation should be reassessed and revoked. Therefore, the statement is true. The other options conflict with how OCA governance is designed—the requirement is not optional, indefinite, or restricted to only certain cases.