48 CFR § 401.602-3 - 401.602-3 Ratification of unauthorized commitments.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t48/s401.602-3"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "48 CFR § 401.602-3 - 401.602-3   Ratification of unauthorized commitments."
title_number: 48
title_name: "Federal Acquisition Regulations System"
section_number: "401.602-3"
section_name: "401.602-3   Ratification of unauthorized commitments."
chapter_number: 4
chapter_name: "DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE"
subchapter_number: "A"
subchapter_name: "GENERAL"
part_number: "401"
part_name: "AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION SYSTEM"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "5 U.S.C. 301 and 40 U.S.C. 486(c)."
regulatory_source: "89 FR 81015, Oct. 7, 2024, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "401"
---


# 401.602-3 401.602-3   Ratification of unauthorized commitments.

(a) *Ratification* means the signed, documented action taken by an authorized official to approve and sanction a previously unauthorized commitment. *Unauthorized commitment* means an agreement made by a Government representative who lacked the authority to enter into a contract on behalf of the Government.

(b) Procedures are in accordance with the USDA Contracting Desk Book, Part 401.602-3.