What action should be taken if there is conflicting guidance from authorized sources regarding classification?

When there is conflicting guidance from authorized sources regarding classification, seeking further clarification is the most appropriate action to take. This approach ensures that you are not relying on assumptions, which could lead to errors in classification that could compromise sensitive information or violate regulations.

By seeking clarification, you are effectively pursuing a clear and authoritative answer that aligns with established guidelines. This is critical in the realm of derivative classification, where misunderstanding or misapplying classification guidance can have serious implications for national security and compliance with legal requirements.

Taking this step promotes due diligence and accountability, allowing for informed decision-making in the classification process. It also helps maintain the integrity of the classification system by ensuring that all information is accurately and appropriately classified according to the current standards and directives.

In contrast, making an assumption could lead to incorrect classification, while consulting a senior official may not always yield immediate clarification. Documenting the conflict is important but doesn't resolve the issue at hand. Therefore, actively seeking clarification is the best course of action in such situations.