A proponent may request that a question be deemed confidential, which would result in the response going only to the proponent posing the question. GOA determines if the question is confidential and anticipates that only in exceptional circumstances will a question be deemed confidential. The following process will be used:
o The proponent requesting that a question be deemed confidential must provide an explanation as to why it considers the question confidential; and
o GOA will consider the request. If GOA agrees the question should be confidential it will direct the response to only the proponent posing the question. If GOA does not agree that the question should be confidential it will advise the proponent of its view and the proponent has the option of withdrawing the question or proceeding with it on a non-confidential basis.