A bona fide need is defined as which of the following?

• A. A fiscal need to buy supplies or services in the current fiscal year that doesn't constitute fraud, waste, or abuse.
• B. Any purchase regardless of time frame.
• C. An invalid proposition.
• D. A request to circumvent controls.

Answer: (A)

A bona fide need is a legitimate, authorized requirement to obtain goods or services in the current fiscal year. It must support an actual mission need and be funded and permissible under applicable rules, with no fraud, waste, or abuse involved. This ensures funds are used within their approved period and under proper controls. The other choices miss the essential point: purchases must align with the current year's appropriation, they cannot describe something invalid, and attempting to circumvent controls is precisely contrary to the concept of a bona fide need.