Which of the following is NOT one of the three levels of authority in procurement?

In the context of procurement authority, it's essential to understand the structure and classification of authority levels that organizations set to manage their procurement activities effectively. The three recognized levels of authority typically encompass signature authority, procurement authority, and budget authority.

Signature authority refers to the power to sign contracts and commitment documents, representing an official agreement and obligation for the organization. It is crucial for ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter into agreements on behalf of the entity.

Procurement authority deals with the overall management of procurement functions, including the strategic decisions involved in sourcing, supplier selection, and negotiation processes. This level of authority ensures that procurement practices align with the organization's goals and regulations.

Budget authority involves the power to allocate and decide on financial resource allocation for purchases. This ensures that procurement activities remain within the financial constraints set by the organization.

While delegation is an important concept in procurement, as it often involves transferring authority from one individual to another, it does not represent a distinct level of authority itself. Instead, it is a method or process that may occur within the existing levels of signature, procurement, or budget authority. Therefore, it is correct to classify delegation as not being one of the foundational levels of authority in procurement decision-making.