. What is the legal basis for the designation of COs and their

pecuniary liability?

a) The Anti-Deficiency Act of 1982

b) The Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act of 1982

c) The Accountability and Appropriations Act of 1894

d) The Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010

Answer: c) The Accountability and Appropriations Act of 1894 is the

statute that authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to designate COs

and hold them liable for erroneous payments they certify. Rationale:

The other acts are related to financial management, but do not

specifically address the role and responsibility of COs.

2. What are the three elements that must be present for a CO to be held

pecuniarily liable for an erroneous payment?

a) Fault, negligence, and intent

b) Certification, causation, and injury

c) Authority, duty, and breach

d) Knowledge, error, and loss

Answer: b) Certification, causation, and injury are the three elements