Overview
This section prescribes the duties and scope of authority for a Contract Administration Office (CAO) once a contract has been assigned to it for management.
Key Rules
- Automatic Functions: The CAO is mandated to perform all functions listed in FAR 42.302(a) that apply to the contract, unless the contracting officer specifically withholds certain tasks.
- Authorized Functions: The CAO may only perform the functions listed in FAR 42.302(b) if they are specifically authorized by the contracting officer.
- Supporting Administration: CAOs are responsible for requesting additional supporting contract administration services from other offices when necessary.
- Service Providers: The regulation identifies the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and other federal agencies as the primary sources for these administrative and support services.
Practical Implications
- Contractors must distinguish between the Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) and the Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO), as the ACO’s authority is limited to specific delegated functions.
- To avoid unauthorized commitments, contractors should verify that a CAO has been granted specific authority before engaging them on tasks listed under FAR 42.302(b), such as negotiating supplemental agreements or overhauling accounting systems.