Office of Acquisition and Logistics (OAL)

Acquisition Policy Flash! 13-05

Contracting Officer’s Representatives (COR) Delegation Reminder

Purpose:  To remind the VA Acquisition Workforce of the Contracting Officer’s and Contracting Officer’s Representatives’ (COR) requirements to comply with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 1.602-2 Responsibilities and FAR 1.604 .  CORs must be appointed in writing.

VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) Section Impacted:  VAAR Subpart 801.603-70, Representatives of Contracting Officers and VAAR Subpart 801.603-71, Representatives of contracting officers; receipt of equipment, supplies, and non-personal services.

Effective Date:  Immediately

Expiration Date:  NA

Background:  In accordance with FAR 1.602-2 Responsibilities, Contracting Officers are responsible for ensuring performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting, ensuring compliance with the terms of the contract, and safeguarding the interest of the United States in its contractual relationships.  To fulfill this responsibly, the contract officer has the authority to designate a Contracting Officer Representative (COR).  Unless the contracting officer retains and executes the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) duties, in accordance with agency procedures, designate and authorize, in writing, a COR on all contracts and orders other than those that are firm-fixed price, and for firm-fixed-price contracts and orders as appropriate.

VAAR Subpart 801.603-70(a)(1) Representatives of contracting officers requires that a designation under this section must be in writing, must define the scope and limitation of the representative’s authority, and must be addressed to the COR with a copy forwarded to the contractor.

Action Required:  Heads of Contracting Activities (HCAs) shall ensure their respective Contracting Officers comply with FAR 1.602-2 Responsibilities, VAAR Subparts 801.603-70 and 801.603-71.  Also, HCAs should ensure contracting officers and CORs are complying with FAR 1.602-2 Responsibilities, and FAR 1.604 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

Additional Information:  Questions or concerns should be addressed to the Office of Acquisition and Logistics (003A), Procurement Policy and Warrant Management Service (003A2A) at va.procurement.policy@va.gov.

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