The SEC made available a "short form application" to streamline the process for extending the time for confidential treatment of information contained in a material contract. In order to "protect the confidential information from public release" under the Freedom of Information Act after an original confidential treatment order for a material contract expires, registrants must file extension applications under Securities Act Rule 406 or Exchange Act Rule 24b-2 before the existing confidential treatment order's expiration.

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