Overview
FAR 1.604 defines the role of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in assisting with technical monitoring and contract administration, while establishing mandatory record-keeping requirements for every assigned contract.
Key Rules
- Role Definition: The COR is responsible for the technical monitoring or administration of a contract under the direction of the Contracting Officer.
- Mandatory Documentation: The COR must maintain a dedicated file for each assigned contract.
- File Minimum Requirements:
- The official letter of designation and any documents outlining specific duties and responsibilities.
- Documentation of functions delegated to a contract administration office that are specifically prohibited from being delegated to the COR.
- A chronological record of all actions taken by the COR in performance of their delegated authority.
Practical Implications
- Audit Readiness: Strict adherence to the filing requirements ensures that the government can provide a clear audit trail of technical oversight and performance monitoring.
- Authority Boundaries: By requiring the inclusion of non-delegable functions in the file, the regulation prevents "scope creep" where a COR might inadvertently perform actions (such as contract modifications) that only a warranted Contracting Officer is authorized to execute.