The term "particular matter" includes deliberations, decisions, or actions that are focused upon the interests of specific persons or entities or an identifiable class of persons or entities. The Government interprets this term broadly.
A particular matter does not extend to broad policy options or considerations directed toward the interest of a large and diverse group of people. A particular matter may involve specific parties (e.g., a contract, grant or case in litigation) or it may be a particular matter of general applicability that is focused on the interests of a discrete and identifiable class of persons (such as an industry).
These distinctions can be very important. Here's why...