Which of the following actions is prohibited for government personnel?

Executing contract modifications without authorization is prohibited for government personnel because it undermines the integrity and accountability of the contracting process. Contract modifications require specific authority and procedural compliance to ensure that both parties are bound by the same terms and that proper oversight is maintained. Unauthorized modifications could lead to potential legal and financial consequences for the government and could create a situation where contractors believe they have been agreed to changes that were never officially sanctioned.

This prohibition is grounded in the principles of ethical contracting and compliance with established regulations that govern federal procurement. Such regulations are in place to ensure that all modifications are made transparently and with the appropriate level of approval, protecting both the interests of the government and fair dealings with contractors. By requiring authorization, the contracting process remains structured, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and in agreement about contractual terms.

In contrast, other actions, like issuing change orders or discussing contract alterations, may have their contexts where they can occur within the appropriate guidelines or with necessary approvals. Negotiating payment terms independently, while possibly a gray area, usually requires coordination with higher authorities and cannot be done in isolation. Understanding the importance of authorization clarifies why executing any contract modification without the required approval is particularly detrimental and strictly prohibited.