Which term provides authority for federal agencies to operate and incur obligations?

Which term provides authority for federal agencies to operate and incur obligations?

• A. Sustainment
• B. Lethality
• C. Force Protection
• D. Authorization Act

Answer: (D)

Authority to operate and incur obligations for federal programs comes from an Authorization Act. This type of legislation grants a program or agency the legal permission to exist, define its purpose, scope, and duration, and allow the agency to incur financial obligations to carry out the authorized activities. Funding to actually pay for those activities comes separately through appropriations, but funds cannot be obligated without that authorization in place. The other terms describe aspects of readiness or security rather than the legal basis to spend or operate; sustainment concerns maintenance and support, lethality refers to offensive power, and Force Protection focuses on protecting personnel and assets.

Authority to operate and incur obligations for federal programs comes from an Authorization Act. This type of legislation grants a program or agency the legal permission to exist, define its purpose, scope, and duration, and allow the agency to incur financial obligations to carry out the authorized activities. Funding to actually pay for those activities comes separately through appropriations, but funds cannot be obligated without that authorization in place. The other terms describe aspects of readiness or security rather than the legal basis to spend or operate; sustainment concerns maintenance and support, lethality refers to offensive power, and Force Protection focuses on protecting personnel and assets.