Marine Corps Installations West > Staff Offices > Regional Contracting Office > Guidance Policy

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 Governement.

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 MCIWEST Contracting. See FAQ Sheet for amplifying guidance/information regarding vendor payment.

• < $25,000. Ratifications are finalized locally by the Regional Contracting Office.
• > $25,000. Ratifications are finalized personally by the Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics, HQMC.

• Unauthorized Commitment and Ratification Process Guide

• Unauthorized Commitment Slides

• Unauthorized Commitment Package

• Commanding Officer Endorsement (V1.4 3-29-18).doc

• D & F Template for Assisted Acquisitions

• Commanding General Endorsement

• Ratification Process Flowchart

• GCPC UAC Letter

• Ratification Checklist.doc

• Ratification DF (V1.4 3-29-18).doc

• Declaration of Unauthorized Commitment Facts (V1.3 3-29-18).docx