Listen and Learn… What is an Unauthorized Commitment? (UA) What makes it Unauthorized? What is a Ratification?

Only a Government Contracting Officer can obligate the Government to acquire goods and/or services, but…..sometimes it sure seems like other Government employees are giving direction to Industry and sometimes the goods or services are delivered without proper authorization.

Kevin and Paul describe common scenarios where this can happen and why it is important for both Government and Industry to understand the rules.  (hint…a UA is not a good career move for either side)  Some unauthorized commitments can be authorized after the fact through a ratification.  But only if they meet the right criteria.  Learn the Government’s process for authorizing those UAs that can be authorized and when the contractor is flat out of luck!