Which type of authority is legally binding in government contracting?

In government contracting, actual authority is considered legally binding because it is based on a clear, explicit designation of power granted to an individual or entity to act on behalf of the government. This authority is derived from the governing laws and regulations that outline how contracts can be formed and executed.

When an individual is given actual authority, they have the legal right to enter into contracts on behalf of the government, and these contracts can create binding obligations. This differs from other types of authority. For instance, implied authority refers to powers that are not explicitly stated but are necessary to carry out an individual’s duties, which may not always be legally binding unless inferred from actions taken. Apparent authority refers to a situation where a third party believes that the agent has authority due to the principal's representations, but this belief does not necessarily create legal responsibilities if the actual authority is lacking. Executive authority usually pertains to powers vested in government officials, but it must still align with actual authority to create binding contracts effectively.

Therefore, actual authority is the key type of authority in government contracting that ensures agreements are enforceable under law, making it the correct choice.