Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction
- Topic 1: Nature of Appropriations Law
- Topic 2: Congressional "Power of the Purse"
- Topic 3: "Life Cycle" of an Appropriation
- Topic 4: The Government Accountability Office (GAO): Legal Decisions
- Cases
Module 2: The Legal Framework
- Topic 1: Appropriations and Related Terminology
- Topic 2: Some Basic Concepts
- Topic 3: Relationship of Appropriations to Other Types of Legislation
- Topic 4: Determining Congressional Intent
- Cases
Module 3: Agency Regulations and Administrative Discretion
- Topic 1: Agency Regulations
- Topic 2: Agency Administrative Interpretations
- Topic 3: Administrative Discretion
- Cases
Module 4: Availability of Appropriations: Purpose
- Topic 1: DoD's Three Types of Acquisitions
- Topic 2: General Principles
- Topic 3: The "Necessary Expense" Doctrine
- Topic 4: Specific Purpose Authorities and Limitations
- Cases
Module 5: Availability of Appropriations: Time
- Topic 1: Period of Availability
- Topic 2: Three Phases in the Life Cycle of Appropriations
- Topic 3: General Principles -- Duration of Appropriations
- Topic 4: The "Bona Fide Needs" Rule
- Topic 5: Advance Payments
- Topic 6: Disposition of Appropriation Balance
- Topic 7: Effect of Litigation (and Bid Protests) on Period of Availability
Module 6: Availability of Appropriations -- Amount
- Topic 1: Types of Appropriation Language
- Topic 2: The Antideficiency Act
- Topic 3: Supplemental and Deficiency Appropriations
- Topic 4: Augmentation of Appropriations
- Cases
Module 7: Obligation of Appropriations
- Topic 1: Criteria for Recording Obligations
- Topic 2: Continent Liabilities
- Topic 3: Reporting Requirements
- Topic 4: Deobligation
- Cases
Module 8: Continuing Resolutions
- Topic 1: Rate for Operations
- Topic 2: Projects or Activities
- Cases
Module 9: Liability and Relief of Accountable Officers
- Topic 1: General Principles
- Topic 2: Physical Loss or Deficiency
- Topic 3: Illegal or Improper Payments
- Topic 4: Statutory Provisions and Who Can Grant Relief for Improper Payments
- Topic 5: Statute of Limitations
- Topic 6: Procedures
- Topic 7: Collection Action
- Topic 8: Restitution, Reimbursement, and Restoration
- Cases