Ace the CPCM Challenge 2025 – Unlock Your Contract Management Superpowers!

In the context of government contracting, unauthorized commitment refers to a situation where an agreement is made by an individual who does not have the legal authority to bind the government to that agreement. This typically occurs when a person outside their official capacity or without the necessary powers either indicates to a contractor that the government will pay for certain goods or services or acts in a way that implies such a commitment.

The choice that defines the concept of unauthorized commitment as a non-binding agreement made by an unauthorized representative is accurate, because it highlights that even though the agreement may exist, it lacks the legal enforceability needed to obligate the government to fulfill terms of payment or delivery.

The other options involve scenarios that do not align with the definition of unauthorized commitment. A binding agreement made formally by a government representative implies that the individual had the authority to make that commitment. A misrepresentation of contract terms refers more to a distortion or inaccurate communication regarding the attributes or conditions of an existing contract rather than the issue of authorization. A commitment endorsed by a contract officer suggests that the engagement was valid, as it was sanctioned by someone with the appropriate authority.