Final answer:
The bona fide need rule requires that a need exists within the appropriations' period of availability, which occurs when the order is placed, not when goods or services are received.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bona fide need rule stipulates that appropriations are to be used for goods and services for which a need exists during the appropriations' period of availability. In this context, the bona fide need occurs in the year the order is placed, not when the goods or services are received, delivered, utilized, or paid for. This principle prevents the carrying over of funds to fulfill future needs and ensures that appropriations are promptly used for their intended purposes within the specified timeframe of their availability.An easy way to remember the bona fide need rule is by understanding that it is the order or obligation that must occur within the period of the appropriation, not the actual receipt or payment for the service or item. Therefore, the main answer to the student's question is (a) received.In conclusion, identifying the correct timing for when a bona fide need occurs is essential for proper appropriation use and government fiscal responsibility.