In DoD contracting, true or false: authorities are NOT delegable unless specifically stated otherwise.

In DoD contracting, true or false: authorities are NOT delegable unless specifically stated otherwise.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not sure

Answer: (B)

Delegating contracting authority is the normal operating mode in DoD procurement. A contracting officer can authorize others to perform contracting actions within defined limits through warrants and written delegations, so work can proceed efficiently without every action coming up to a senior official. The important point is that delegation exists unless there is an explicit prohibition. So the idea that authorities are not delegable unless stated otherwise is not correct—the default is that authorities can be delegated, and only specific statutory, regulatory, or policy restrictions make certain authorities non-delegable. Always check the delegating document to confirm what can be delegated and to what extent, since some authorities are inherently non-delegable by statute or regulation.

Delegating contracting authority is the normal operating mode in DoD procurement. A contracting officer can authorize others to perform contracting actions within defined limits through warrants and written delegations, so work can proceed efficiently without every action coming up to a senior official. The important point is that delegation exists unless there is an explicit prohibition. So the idea that authorities are not delegable unless stated otherwise is not correct—the default is that authorities can be delegated, and only specific statutory, regulatory, or policy restrictions make certain authorities non-delegable. Always check the delegating document to confirm what can be delegated and to what extent, since some authorities are inherently non-delegable by statute or regulation.