What provides the most assurance that a subcontractor is protecting confidential information in a government program?

The choice that provides the most assurance that a subcontractor is protecting confidential information in a government program is periodic independent audits of subcontractor work.

Independent audits are external assessments conducted by unbiased third parties who analyze the subcontractor's compliance with security controls and practices. These audits provide an objective evaluation of the subcontractor's systems and processes related to data protection. They help identify any potential vulnerabilities or breaches in security protocols and ensure that the subcontractor adheres to regulations concerning the handling of confidential information.

While committee meetings, management reviews, and permissions from government agents can contribute to oversight and communication, they do not provide the same level of objective verification. Committee meetings may focus on reporting and updates but lack in-depth scrutiny of actual practices. Management reviews, although they can be beneficial, often rely heavily on self-reported data from the subcontractor, which may not provide an accurate picture of compliance or security. Permission from the government agent, while necessary for operational purposes, does not equate to assurance of protective measures in place.

Thus, periodic independent audits stand out as the most reliable method to ensure that confidential information is thoroughly protected by the subcontractor.