Which member of the acquisition team has the authority to contractually obligate the Government?

The member of the acquisition team who has the authority to contractually obligate the Government is the Contracting Officer. This role is critical within the acquisition process, as the Contracting Officer is formally authorized to negotiate and enter into contracts on behalf of the Government. They ensure that contracts are consistent with legal requirements, budget constraints, and policy guidelines.

The authority of the Contracting Officer arises from specific delegation of authority and training, which equips them with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of contract law and acquisition regulations. This ensures that any contracts entered into are binding and enforceable, thereby fulfilling the Government's commitments.

Other team members, like the Program Manager, while integral to the process, may provide recommendations and oversee program execution, but they do not possess the legal authority to bind the Government to a contract. Similarly, the Acquisition Specialist and the Legal Advisor play supportive roles in ensuring compliance, providing expertise, and formulating strategies but lack the formal authority to execute contracts. Hence, the Contracting Officer is the key individual empowered to obligate the Government through contractual agreements.