Under what conditions can contractor bid or proposal information be disclosed?

The correct answer reflects the importance of maintaining confidentiality and adhering to regulations governing the disclosure of contractor bid or proposal information. Authorized individuals, as specified by agency regulations, are typically those who have a legitimate need to access this sensitive information within the context of their official duties. This ensures that the integrity of the procurement process is upheld while also protecting proprietary information that could give one contractor an unfair advantage over others.

Disclosing bid or proposal information only to authorized individuals fosters transparency while ensuring that only those with a legitimate interest and responsibility can access such data. This approach helps to maintain trust in the contracting system and prevents the misuse of sensitive information.

The other options do not align with standard practices surrounding the confidentiality of contractor information. For instance, disclosing information anytime for public knowledge or upon request contradicts the necessity of protecting proprietary business information. Similarly, allowing access only to the contractors themselves could create issues regarding transparency and accountability in the procurement process.