When an oral presentation includes information that the parties intend to include in the contract as material terms and conditions:

• A. The information shall be put in writing
• B. Incorporation by reference of oral statements is permitted
• C. The information may be included only if approved in writing by the contracting officer
• D. The information cannot be used in contract terms

Answer: (A)

Material terms and conditions must be in writing to be binding in a government contract. An oral presentation may guide negotiations, but an oral statement does not create enforceable contract terms on the government. If those terms are intended to become part of the contract, they must be reduced to writing and included in the contract itself (or formally incorporated through a written contract modification approved by the contracting officer). This ensures a precise, verifiable record and avoids disputes over what was agreed. Incorporation by reference of oral statements isn’t typically permitted because there’s nothing in the contract to enforce those terms unless a written document exists. Changes to the contract must be in writing and approved by the contracting officer, but the key concept is that the contract’s written terms govern.