(1) Project Shield America will have two operational components. The first will be to reach out and form partnerships with U.S. manufacturers and distributors of the sensitive technology, weapons, and equipment sought by terrorists. The second will be to investigate and halt those attempting to acquire and illegally export weapons components to groups intent on harming America. (2) Beginning immediately, field offices will identify the specific U.S. firms in their areas that manufacture or distribute materials of interest. Agents will then visit these firms and provide them with materials about Project Shield America, information about U.S. export controls, and data about the itemssought by terrorists. Most importantly, the agents will encourage these firms to notify agents if they are approached by customers looking to acquire and export their products illegally. (3) In sum, under the banner of Project Shield America, we will partner with U.S. industry to prevent their technological accomplishments from being exploited by terrorists. While some of these materials may seem relatively innocuous and have relatively little monetary value, they can have enormous strategic value in the hands of America's adversaries. These "minor" technological goods could easily become the necessary components for major weapons development by terrorist groups or rogue nations. (4) At the same time, agents will step up their efforts to investigate and prosecute those who attempt to acquire and illegally export sensitive technology, weapons, and equipment to international terrorist organizations. These efforts will include undercover probes and other investigative techniques. The Office of Strategic Investigations will redirect its resources towards the objective of denying terrorist organizations access to these materials. Assistance from U.S. manufacturers and distributors will be crucial in this effort.
Explanation
Answer: C - The most logical order of the passages is 1, 2, 4, 3. The first paragraph introduces Project Shield America and defines the two operational components of the project. Accordingly, paragraph 1 should be the first paragraph. Paragraphs 2 and 4 elaborate on the two operational components of the project introduced in paragraph 1 and therefore must follow paragraph 1. Paragraph 2 logically comes before paragraph 4 because paragraph 2 elaborates on the first operational component of the project whereas paragraph 4 elaborates on the second operational component. Finally, paragraph 3 is clearly the concluding paragraph because it provides a summation and closing for the entire passage. The paragraphs presented in this order form a well-organized, coherent passage.