What must FDOs document for every disclosure decision they make?

Foreign Disclosure Officers (FDOs) are required to document the rationale, approvals, and specifics of each disclosure decision to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with regulations governing the sharing of sensitive information. This documentation serves several critical purposes: it provides a clear record of the reasoning behind each decision, which can be vital for future reference and audits; it helps to maintain consistency in decision-making across different disclosures; and it can protect against potential legal or policy violations by demonstrating that the FDO carefully considered the implications of the disclosure.

Thorough documentation also allows for tracking patterns in disclosures and understanding the decision-making process, contributing to better decision-making in the future. Ultimately, this practice supports both the national security interests of the U.S. and the strategic partnerships with foreign allies by ensuring that disclosures are made judiciously and with the required oversight.