What must Cardholders do before making a purchase on behalf of the government?

Before making a purchase on behalf of the government, it is essential for Cardholders to ensure their authority to make the purchase is valid. This means that Cardholders must verify that they possess the necessary approvals and are acting within their designated limits and scope of authority as specified by their agency's policies and regulations. This is a crucial step in maintaining compliance with federal acquisition regulations and ensures that purchases made with the Governmentwide Commercial Purchase Card (GPC) are authorized and justified.

By confirming their authority, Cardholders help to prevent unauthorized spending and ensure that government funds are used appropriately and efficiently. This process also helps safeguard against potential fraud and misuse of the purchasing card, ultimately supporting the integrity of the procurement process within the government.

Other options, while they may seem relevant, do not directly address the action that must be taken before a purchase. Consulting with a legal advisor may be necessary in certain situations, but it is not a blanket requirement for every purchase. Submitting a detailed report of the intended purchase is not an obligatory step before making a transaction. Lastly, waiting for quarterly reviews of available funds could cause unnecessary delays and is not a prerequisite for initiating a purchase. Therefore, confirming the validity of purchasing authority stands as the foremost requirement for Cardholders before executing