A COR has made an unauthorized commitment. What can a contracting officer do?

When a COR makes an unauthorized commitment, the contracting officer has specific recourse available, and one option is to ratify the commitment if the government has benefited from the action. Ratification is a formal process wherein the government accepts responsibility for the unauthorized action, recognizing the contract as valid and enforceable.

In order to ratify an unauthorized commitment, certain criteria must typically be met, including that the commitment was made by someone with proper authority and that the government received a benefit from it. This process allows the government to legitimize the actions taken and maintain continuity in contract performance, ensuring that the goods or services provided are compensated appropriately.

Therefore, the ability to ratify an unauthorized commitment is crucial as it provides a route for resolution and protection for both the government and the contractor, promoting fair dealings and avoiding potential claims or disputes arising from the unauthorized action. This understanding is essential for anyone involved in contract management to navigate the complexities of contractual authority and responsibilities effectively.