Overview
FAR 43.202 establishes the specific personnel authorized to execute formal change orders, primarily vesting this power in the contracting officer.
Key Rules
- Primary Authority: Change orders must be issued by the contracting officer (CO).
- Delegated Authority: Authority may be delegated to an administrative contracting officer (ACO) in accordance with FAR 42.202(c).
- Exclusivity: No other government personnel (such as technical representatives or program managers) possess the inherent regulatory authority to issue these orders.
Practical Implications
- Contractors must verify that any change directive is signed by an authorized CO or ACO to ensure the change is legally binding and compensable.
- Directives received from technical staff that alter the contract scope should be treated as "constructive changes" and must be ratified by the CO to avoid the risk of non-payment.