What term describes the line of accounting that includes a cost object?

The term that describes the line of accounting that includes a cost object is "Account Assignment." This term is essential in financial management as it specifies the allocation of costs to specific projects, departments, or cost centers, ensuring that expenses are tracked accurately against the appropriate budget or funding source.

In the context of procurement and purchasing within GFEBS (General Fund Enterprise Business System), account assignments help organizations maintain control over spending and adhere to fiscal accountability. They allow for detailed tracking and reporting, which is crucial for analysis and decision-making regarding resource allocation.

The other options do not focus directly on cost accounting structures. A purchase group refers to a group of buyers responsible for specific categories of purchases but does not inherently encapsulate cost accounting. A contract number is an identifier for specific contracts, which also doesn't relate to the accounting aspect. Similarly, a desired vendor indicates a preferred supplier but is not associated with how costs are assigned or tracked within financial systems.