What amongst the following should Ms. X do now?

1. Immediately disclose the information to the project committee and the public
2. Recommend removing the contractor from the shortlist to protect the project's integrity
3. Propose a 'limited disclosure' to an oversight committee, while keeping the information confidential from the public for the time being

Select the answer using the code given below:

In administrative and ethical decision-making, an officer must balance transparency with procedural integrity and confidentiality.

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Immediately disclosing sensitive information to the public without exhausting internal mechanisms violates civil service conduct rules regarding confidentiality and can cause unnecessary panic or compromise ongoing investigations. Whistleblowing to the public is generally considered a measure of last resort.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Recommending the outright removal of the contractor might be premature before the oversight committee has had a chance to formally review the disclosed information and conduct a proper inquiry. Due process must be followed.
• Statement 3 is correct: Proposing a 'limited disclosure' to an internal oversight committee ensures that the matter is escalated to the appropriate authorities for investigation while maintaining necessary confidentiality from the public until the facts are verified. This aligns with the principles of accountability, proper channel of communication, and procedural fairness.

Therefore, the most appropriate course of action for Ms. X is to follow internal protocols and make a limited disclosure to the oversight committee.