Principles of Federal Appropriations Law - Red Book - Volume 1 of 2 (repost)

We are pleased to present the third edition of Volume I of Principles of Federal Appropriations Law, commonly known as the “Red Book.” Our objective in this publication is to present a basic reference work covering those areas of law in which the Comptroller General renders decisions.

Our approach in Principles is to lay a foundation with text discussion, using specific legal authorities to illustrate the principles discussed, their
application, and exceptions. These authorities include GAO decisions and opinions, judicial decisions, statutory provisions, and other relevant
sources. We would encourage users to start with at least a brief review of Chapter 1, which provides a general framework and context for all that
follows. Chapter 1 includes a note regarding citations to GAO case law and other relevant GAO material and an explanation of those other materials.
We have tried to be simultaneously basic and detailed—basic so that the publication will be useful as a “teaching manual” and guide for the novice
or occasional user (lawyer and nonlawyer alike) and detailed so that it will assist those who require a more in-depth understanding. The purpose of Principles is to describe existing authorities; it should not be regarded as an independent source of legal authority. The material in this publication is,
of course, subject to changes in statute or federal and Comptroller General case law. Also, it is manifestly impossible to cover in this publication every
aspect and nuance of federal appropriations law. We have not attempted to include all relevant decisions, and we admit (albeit grudgingly) that errors
and omissions probably are inevitable. Principles should therefore be used as a general guide and starting point, not as a substitute for original legal
research…