Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) Practice Test

What are latent defects?

1. Defects discovered before acceptance

2. Defects that exist but are not visible through normal inspection

3. Defects caused by external factors

4. Obvious defects noted at the time of delivery

The correct answer is: Defects that exist but are not visible through normal inspection

Latent defects refer to flaws or issues that exist within a product or service but are not immediately detectable through standard inspection techniques. These defects may only become apparent over time or under specific conditions. Understanding latent defects is crucial in procurement and contract management because they can affect the overall quality and performance of goods or services long after they have been delivered and accepted. When evaluating the choices, the second option's definition aligns precisely with the concept of latent defects, distinguishing them from other types of defects that can be recognized or observed before acceptance or delivery. For instance, defects discovered before acceptance would typically pertain to more obvious issues, while defects caused by external factors might not necessarily refer to inherent flaws in the product itself. Thus, the distinction properly emphasizes that latent defects are hidden flaws that require more thorough examination or specific conditions to uncover, underscoring their significance in public procurement and contract obligations.