Certified Texas Contract Manager Practice Exam

What action can an agency take if a shipment is delivered in error?

1. The agency must accept the shipment

2. The agency can request a replacement

3. The agency may refuse the shipment once confirmed

4. The agency must negotiate a discount

The correct answer is: The agency may refuse the shipment once confirmed

The correct action for an agency when a shipment is delivered in error is to refuse the shipment once confirmed. This is based on the principles of contract law and the obligations of the parties involved in a contractual agreement. If the delivered goods do not match the specifications outlined in the contract or were not ordered at all, the agency has the right to reject the shipment. Confirmation of the error is necessary to ensure that the misdelivery is valid and thus justifies the agency’s refusal to accept the goods. This action protects the agency from being held liable for costs associated with the unwanted shipment and maintains adherence to the terms of the contract. It also allows for the possibility of returning the incorrect items to the vendor, who may need to adjust their records or resend the correct items, aligning the transaction with the agency's requirements. The other options imply actions that may not be necessary or appropriate in the situation where a shipment has been delivered in error. Accepting the shipment when it is not the correct order does not align with the agency's rights in handling errors in delivery. Likewise, negotiating a discount or requesting a replacement may not be the immediate courses of action following a confirmed error; instead, addressing the core issue of acceptance or refusal is the priority.