Prepare the commitment record before a federal contract is signed
Key facts
- Human involvement
- RedLawyer-led
- How AI is used
- List the appropriation or fund the contracting officer identifies, the amount available as the contracting officer states it, and the amount of the proposed obligation. Do not state that funds are available and do not sign the contract.
- What the lawyer must review
- 31 U.S.C. § 1341(a)(1) provides that, except as specified in that subchapter or any other provision of law, an officer or employee of the United States Government or of the District of Columbia government may not make or authorize an expenditure or obligation exceeding an amount available in an appropriation or fund for the expenditure or obligation, or involve either government in a contract or obligation for the payment of money before an appropriation is made unless authorized by law. FAR 17.207(c)(1) separately requires the contracting officer, before exercising an option, to determine that funds are available. The record lines up the figures the contracting officer supplies. The contracting officer decides whether the statute and the FAR permit the obligation. The tool does not.
- Written for / version
- United States versionUS
Who does what
| Role | What they do |
|---|---|
| Assistance | Supporting preparation only. Potential support includes identifying points for review. Confirm the tool’s capability and permitted scope. The tool writes nothing into the document. Substantive advice, judgement and any restricted content remain with the responsible human. |
| Lawyer | Perform the substantive analysis and decisions. Independently check any permitted supporting work and approve the exact output for its intended use. |
Checklist
- Trace every relied-on figure to its source, confirm dates and assumptions, and independently recalculate totals or derived amounts.
- Review operative clauses in the complete document, including definitions, cross-references, schedules and inconsistencies with the instructions.
- Verify the applicable jurisdiction and the version of each relevant law, rule or instrument in force at the material time.
- Confirm the output against the client’s instructions and the complete relevant source material, including omissions or contradictions.
- Resolve exceptions and record the responsible lawyer’s approval of the exact output and intended use.