In simplified acquisitions, when is a contract established?

In simplified acquisitions, when is a contract established?

• A. When the Government issues an order
• B. When the supplier submits a proposal
• C. When the supplier accepts the Government's offer
• D. When the Government issues a request for quotes

Answer: (C)

In simplified acquisitions, a contract comes into existence when the supplier accepts the Government’s offer. The government may issue an order or an invitation (like a RFQ) to solicit offers, but those actions are not the contract themselves. The supplier’s submission of a proposal is the supplier offering terms, not acceptance. Acceptance by the supplier—whether by signing, agreeing to the terms, or beginning performance in a unilateral-contract sense—creates the binding agreement and triggers the contract.

In simplified acquisitions, a contract comes into existence when the supplier accepts the Government’s offer. The government may issue an order or an invitation (like a RFQ) to solicit offers, but those actions are not the contract themselves. The supplier’s submission of a proposal is the supplier offering terms, not acceptance. Acceptance by the supplier—whether by signing, agreeing to the terms, or beginning performance in a unilateral-contract sense—creates the binding agreement and triggers the contract.