What is best answer below with regard to the quantity of end items procured with a given procurement appropriation, the Secretary of Defense

(1). Can authorize any quantity of items to be procured.

(2). Cannot exceed the quantity specified in the defense appropriation act.

(3). Can acquire as many end items as can be fully funded and for which a requirement exists.

(4). Can acquire as many end items and portions of end items that the funding will allow and for which a requirement exists.

The best answer is option (4). The Secretary of Defense can acquire as many end items and portions of end items that the funding will allow and for which a requirement exists.

To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the authority and limitations of the Secretary of Defense when it comes to procurement appropriations.

Option (1) states that the Secretary of Defense can authorize any quantity of items to be procured. While the Secretary of Defense wields significant authority in procurement decisions, this statement is too broad and does not consider fiscal constraints or specific appropriations.

Option (2) is more accurate. The Secretary of Defense cannot exceed the quantity specified in the defense appropriation act. This means that the procurement quantity is determined by the specific funding allocation approved by Congress. However, this answer overlooks the possibility of acquiring portions of end items, as well as the availability of fully funded requirements.

Option (3) is closer to the correct answer. The Secretary of Defense can acquire as many end items as can be fully funded and for which a requirement exists. This means that if there is enough funding to cover the entire cost of a specific end item and there is a valid requirement for it, the Secretary of Defense can proceed with the procurement. However, this option does not consider the possibility of acquiring portions of end items.

Finally, option (4) provides the most comprehensive answer. The Secretary of Defense can acquire as many end items and portions of end items that the funding will allow and for which a requirement exists. This option takes into account both fully funded end items and the ability to acquire portions of those items if the funding permits. It also acknowledges the importance of a valid requirement.

Therefore, the best answer is option (4).