For how many months are agencies required to hold contract files in the responsible office?

Agencies are required to hold contract files in the responsible office for a period of 12 months. This retention period is established to ensure that all relevant documentation is readily available for review, audit, or any potential disputes that may arise following the completion of a contract. Holding the files for this duration allows agencies to maintain accountability and enable a smooth transition should any oversight or compliance checks occur.

The other options propose different timeframes that do not align with the established guidelines for contract file retention, which emphasizes the significance of retaining these files long enough to address any issues that could surface post-contract completion. By retaining files for a full year, agencies strike a balance between effective record-keeping and resource management, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.