What is an unauthorized commitment?

An unauthorized commitment refers specifically to a situation where government funds are obligated without the necessary legal authority or proper authorization as required by federal regulations. This can happen when an employee or an official enters into a contract or makes a purchase without having the designated authority or budgetary approval.

In the context of incident management and business practices, adhering to the proper authorization process is critical for accountability and compliance with fiscal regulations. Unauthorized commitments can lead to legal complications or financial liability for both the individual who made the commitment and the agency involved.

The other choices reflect different scenarios, such as commitments of personnel or equipment, but they don't specifically capture the essence of unauthorized commitments as it pertains to the lack of approval for funds, which is the core element of proper government operations.