Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) Practice Test

When a Procurement Manager must sign an emergency purchase, which type of authority is most relevant?

1. Express authority

2. Implied authority

3. Apparent authority

4. Limited authority

The correct answer is: Express authority

In the context of emergency purchases, the most relevant type of authority is express authority. This is because express authority refers to the explicit power granted to an individual or officer in a procurement position to act on behalf of the organization. When an emergency arises, there are often predefined policies or procedures in place that empower a Procurement Manager to make urgent purchases quickly to address immediate needs. These guidelines typically come from the organization’s governing documents or specific resolutions that outline exactly what the Procurement Manager is allowed to do in such situations. In emergency situations, having express authority allows the Procurement Manager to bypass potential delays often associated with standard procurement processes, ensuring that necessary supplies or services are procured without delay. This authority directly correlates with ensuring that public entities can respond effectively and promptly during emergencies, which is a crucial aspect of public procurement management. Other types of authority, while relevant in different contexts, do not hold the same level of importance in this specific scenario. For example, implied authority arises from the actions or circumstances but may not provide the same level of clarity and decisiveness needed during an emergency purchase. Apparent authority involves situations where another party might believe that someone has authorization, but this can lead to confusion regarding the limits of that authority. Limited authority refers