Debriefings should not include which of the following items?

• A. The names of individuals providing reference information about an offeror's past performance
• B. The make and model of the item to be delivered
• C. The unit price breakdown and profit
• D. Trade secrets

Answer: (D)

Debriefings are meant to explain the basis of the award decision to an unsuccessful offeror while protecting sensitive information. They should cover how the award was determined, the evaluation factors and any significant weaknesses, and how the offeror’s proposal compared to others.

Trade secrets fall into confidential business information that, if disclosed, could harm a company’s competitive position. They include proprietary cost data, profit margins, production processes, supplier lists, and other information that gives a business advantage. Because debriefings reveal how an agency evaluated proposals, exposing trade secrets would undermine competition and violate confidentiality protections. The other items listed aren’t inherently protected in the same way and may be discussed or summarized within appropriate safeguards, but trade secrets must be kept confidential.