XL EagleContracting Officer (Contracting Officer (CO))
Contracting Officer stands for Contracting Officer (CO). A contracting officer, or CO, is the government official with legal authority to enter into, administer and terminate contracts. That authority comes from a written warrant that sets dollar limits. Only a contracting officer acting within that authority can bind the government.
The CO decides on awards, signs modifications, approves changes and makes final decisions on disputes. Other people, such as the COR or the building manager, may talk with you every day, but they cannot change your contract.
Why it matters to a small contractor
If anyone other than the contracting officer asks you to do extra work, get it in writing from the CO first. Work done on someone else's say-so is often an unauthorized commitment, and you may not get paid for it. Keep the CO copied on anything that affects price, scope or schedule.
Example
A building manager asks a janitorial contractor to start cleaning a newly opened wing. The contractor politely says it needs a modification from the contracting officer first, and the CO issues an SF 30 adding the wing and the price.
Contracting Officer: common questions
What is a contracting officer's warrant?
A written appointment that gives the CO authority to sign contracts, often up to a stated dollar limit.
How is a CO different from a COR?
The CO has authority to change the contract. The COR monitors performance on the CO's behalf but cannot change price, scope or terms.
Want the contract without the paperwork? Send XL Eagle your price on an open government job. We write and submit the bid under our registrations, free to you. Find open jobs →