Marine Corps Installations National Capital Region - Regional Contracting Office (MCINCR-RCO)

Bottom-line: Unauthorized Commitments are illegal.

Unauthorized Commitment - An agreement that is not binding solely because the Government representative who made it lacked the authority to enter into that agreement on behalf of the Government.

Ratification - The act of approving an unauthorized commitment by an official who has the authority to do so.

Punishments resulting from an Unauthorized Commitment:

1. Willful and Knowing violations are punishable by two years in jail and /or fine of $5,000.

2. Unless "Ratified" there is a personal financial liability for the perpetrator.

3. Ratification requires the MSC unit commander endorsement.

1. A completed Unauthorized Commitment Checklist.

2. Statement signed by the person who made the Unauthorized Commitment describing the circumstances per the Unauthorized Commitment checklist.

3. Copies of all orders, original invoices, and other documentary evidence of the transaction.

4. Provide a Commander's endorsement concurring that the commitment should be ratified. The endorsement must address the information requirements contained in the Unauthorized Commitment checklist. Endorsement is required by the activity Commanding Officer. Endorsement 'By direction' is not authorized.

5. Submit a PR Builder request that corresponds to the amount of the ratification to MCINCR-RCO.