An agile project is in its ninth of 10 iterations.

One of the primary responsibilities of the Scrum Master is to remove impediments that may block the team from achieving its sprint or iteration goal. If a dependency is discovered late in the project, swift and direct collaboration is required to ensure delivery continuity. Initiating communication with the dependent team aligns with the Scrum Master’s role as a servant leader and facilitator.

According to the Agile Practice Guide (Chapter 3 – Agile Roles), the Scrum Master works across teams and organizational boundaries to resolve external dependencies that may block the team. It is not the sole responsibility of the Product Owner or individual team members to manage these external issues.

Option A shifts responsibility inappropriately to the Product Owner.

Option B doesn't resolve the dependency but merely postpones or reorders work.

Option D fails to address the systemic coordination needed; it may be helpful later but isn’t the primary step.