Government Contract Law Primer

The US Government contracts with public and private agencies and companies to provide supplies, services, research, construction and development of weapons and other systems.

The commitment of appropriated funds is governed by layers of federal and agency requirements embodied in the Federal Acquisition Regulation and supplements. The purpose of this system is to satisfy the needs of the Government through a transparent acquisition process that fulfills public policy objectives.

The Government is bound when agents acting within the scope of their authority contract to fulfill Government needs. Such agents are called "contracting officers." Unless directed otherwise by law, contracting officers promote full and open competition by using competitive procedures to solicit offers and award contracts.

In some cases, a contracting officer can ratify an unauthorized commitment to pay for supplies or services provided to the Government.

If a contractor believes that a contract was awarded improperly or illegally, he/she may file a "bid protest."