Which of the following is a key action to protect the government's interest during the pre-award process regarding defective pricing?

The key action to protect the government's interest during the pre-award process regarding defective pricing is documenting data provided by the contractor. This documentation is crucial because it creates a verifiable record of the pricing information submitted by the contractor. Accurate and thorough documentation enables the government to assess the reasonableness and completeness of the contractor's pricing proposals.

In addition, it supports the government's ability to identify any potential discrepancies, ensure compliance with the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA), and maintain transparency in the contracting process. By keeping detailed records, the government can also refer back to these documents in the event of disputes or audits, helping to safeguard taxpayer interests and ensure accountability on the part of contractors.

The other options fail to establish a protective measure for the government's interests. Submitting a proposal without documentation neglects the necessary record-keeping essential for fair assessment, relying solely on the contractor’s word undermines the credibility of the proposal, and ignoring certification of pricing data can lead to significant risks of cost overruns and non-compliance with federal regulations.