For Official Use Only (FOUO)
For Official Use Only (FOUO) is a government marking used to identify sensitive information that is not classified but may be exempt from public release and restricted to authorized personnel.
What Is For Official Use Only?
For Official Use Only (FOUO) is a government marking used to identify sensitive information that is not classified but may be exempt from public release and restricted to authorized personnel.
FOUO markings have largely been incorporated into the broader Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) framework, though the term may still appear in legacy documents.
Key Characteristics
Applies to sensitive but unclassified government information
Limits access to individuals with an official need to know
Often used for internal reports, operational details, or personal data
May be exempt from disclosure under public records laws
Requires safeguarding but not classified handling procedures
How It Works in Government Contracting
Where it appears: FOUO appears throughout the procurement lifecycle, including solicitation development, proposal evaluation, contract administration, and internal reporting.
Who uses it: Contracting officers, program managers, and government contractors who handle sensitive operational or administrative information.
Why it matters: FOUO protects government interests while allowing necessary information sharing to perform contract work. Contractors may receive FOUO-marked documents such as internal guidance, technical data, or performance reports and must restrict access and distribution accordingly.
Regulatory Framework
FOUO is addressed through multiple federal policies, including:
Freedom of Information Act exemptions for sensitive information
Department of Defense policies governing unclassified but controlled data
Executive Order 13556, which established the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) program
Why It Matters for Contractors
FOUO affects how contractors store, share, and protect government information. Improper handling can lead to compliance violations, loss of government trust, or contractual consequences.
Understanding FOUO helps contractors reduce disclosure risks and meet information safeguarding obligations.
Common Misconceptions About FOUO
FOUO information is unimportant because it is not classified.
FOUO information is sensitive and requires safeguarding. Improper handling can result in compliance violations and contractual consequences.
FOUO can be freely shared with anyone working on a contract.
Access must be limited to individuals with a legitimate need to know who agree to proper handling requirements.
Any government document can be marked FOUO.
FOUO markings must be applied only to information that meets specific criteria for sensitivity or exemption from public disclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FOUO the same as classified information?
No. FOUO is sensitive but unclassified and does not require classified handling procedures.
Can FOUO information be shared with subcontractors?
Yes, if the subcontractor has a legitimate need to know and agrees to proper handling requirements.
How should FOUO information be stored?
It should be stored securely, with access limited to authorized personnel and protected from unauthorized disclosure.
Is FOUO still used today?
FOUO has largely been replaced by the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) designation, but it still appears in older or transitional documents.
Related Government Contracting Topics
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI): A standardized framework for safeguarding sensitive unclassified information that largely supersedes the FOUO designation.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): Governs public access to federal records and the exemptions that may apply to FOUO-marked information.
Information Safeguarding: Requirements for protecting sensitive government data from unauthorized access or disclosure.
Need-to-Know Principle: Limits access to information based on job necessity, a core requirement for handling FOUO materials.
Contract Data Security: Practices for securing government and contractor data throughout the contract lifecycle.