Who must sign and distribute a contract before it becomes legally binding?

• A. Program Manager
• B. Contracting Officer (KO)
• C. Legal Counsel
• D. Chief Financial Officer

Answer: (B)

The person who has the authority to bind the government to a contract is the contracting officer. Only they have the delegated warrant to enter into legally enforceable agreements on behalf of the agency. When the contracting officer signs, the contract is formally approved, and that signature signals to both parties that the terms are accepted. Distribution is the process of sending official copies to the vendor and the internal offices (such as procurement, finance, and the program team) so everyone knows the contract’s terms, start dates, and obligations.

The program manager oversees execution and performance but does not have authority to bind the government to terms. Legal counsel can review and advise on terms but does not alone sign to create enforceable obligations. The chief financial officer handles funding and fiscal approvals, but signing to bind the contract rests with the contracting officer.