Overview
This section prescribes the use of Standard Form (SF) 1402, the Certificate of Appointment, for designating individuals as contracting officers within the federal government. It serves as the formal mechanism for delegating procurement authority under the guidelines established in FAR 1.603-3.
Key Rules
- Form Designation: SF 1402 is officially titled the "Certificate of Appointment."
- Mandatory Use: This form must be used whenever an agency appoints a contracting officer.
- Regulatory Linkage: The issuance of this form is strictly governed by the requirements and procedures found in FAR Subpart 1.6, specifically 1.603-3 regarding the appointment of contracting officers.
Practical Implications
- The "Warrant": In real-world practice, the SF 1402 is known as a contracting officer's "warrant," which serves as visible proof of their legal authority to bind the government to a contract.
- Authority Verification: Contractors should be aware that a CO's authority is often limited by the specific dollar thresholds or types of actions listed on their SF 1402; actions taken exceeding these limitations may be considered unauthorized.