SUBJECT:

TO:

FROM:

Designation of Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

for #

for

, Contracting Officer’s Representative

, Contracting Officer

You are designated as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for administering portions of this contract.

You are authorized to take any or all actions with respect to the following:

a.	Maintain liaison and direct communication with the Contractor. Written communications with the Contractor and all contract related correspondence shall be signed as "Contracting Officer's Representative" with a copy furnished to the Contracting Officer.

b.	Assure that the Contractor performs the contract in accordance with its terms, conditions, and specifications.

c.	Monitor the Contract

1.	Perform all inspections necessary and require the Contractor to correct any deficiencies EXCEPT where such corrective action would affect a substantive change to the contract (i.e. delivery schedule, price or scope of work).

2.	Record and notify the Contracting Officer of incidents of faulty or nonconforming work, delays or problems, and recommended corrective action.

3.	Notify the Contracting Officer in writing of acceptance of deliverables, and inspections and ensure that distribution of approvals/disapprovals are also made to the Contractor.

d.	Issue written technical interpretations of the Government specifications to the Contractor. Interpretations which could affect a substantive change must be coordinated with the Contracting Officer. A copy of all written interpretations must be furnished to the Contracting Officer.

e.	Coordinate site entry for Contractor personnel and, if provided, ensure that Government Furnished Property is available when required.

f.	Review Any Payment Request

1.	Verify actual performance, and determine reasonableness of billed amounts and determine compliance with the contract terms.

2.	Recommend the payment amount or provide reasons for disapproval.

LIMITATIONS. You are not empowered to award, agree to, or sign any contract (including delivery or

purchase orders) or modifications thereto, or in any way to obligate the payment of money by the Government. You may not take any action which may have an impact on contract or delivery order schedules, funds, or the scope of work. All contractual agreements, commitments, or modifications which involve prices, quantities, quality, or delivery schedules shall be made solely by the Contracting Officer.

This designation as a Contracting Officer's Representative shall remain in effect through the life of the contract unless revoked by the Contracting Officer in writing. If your designation is revoked for any reason before completion of this contract, turn your records over to the successor COR. If you are reassigned or separated from service, you shall request termination and relief from your duties from the Contracting Officer.

You are further required to maintain adequate records to sufficiently describe the performance of your duties as Contracting Officer's Representative during the life of this contract and forward such records to the Contracting Officer at the completion of the contract. As a minimum the COR file shall contain a copy of the following:

a.	This COR designation letter.

b.	The executed contract and all modifications thereto.

c.	All correspondence between you and the Contractor, and the Contracting Officer.

d.	Names of all technical and administrative personnel assisting you.

e.	Records of COR inspections and receiving/acceptance documents.

f.	Invoices and Monthly Progress Reports.

You are required to promptly notify the Contracting Officer of any potential or actual problems concerning performance under this contract.

Attached for your information and records is an executed copy of the subject contract. You are expected to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of this contract and with your responsibilities. The Contract Specialist assigned to administer this contract is and can be reached at .

By signing below you certify that you understand the following:

a.	All personnel engaged in procurement and related activities shall conduct business dealings with industry in a professional and ethical manner, and shall protect the US Government's interest while maintaining its reputation for fair and equal dealings with all contractors.

b.	A COR shall avoid the appearance of conflict of interest. Any COR who may have direct or indirect financial interests which would place him or her in a position where there is a conflict between his private interests and the public interests of the United States shall advise his supervisors and the Contracting Officer of the conflict so that appropriate action may be taken.

c.	It is important for all CORs to guard against taking any actions which exceed the authority delegated to them in this designation letter. As a COR, you may incur personal liability for costs the contractor incurs as a result of any unauthorized actions. If you are unsure about something, always call your Contracting Officer for advice in advance. Problems should always be brought to the immediate attention of the Contracting Officer.

d.	Individuals, in the grade of GS-13 and above, involved in contracting and procurement activities must complete FORM OGE-450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, within 30 days of the date of appointment.

e.	Notification of this appointment is being submitted to the Ethics Office as required. You may be contacted concerning filing of the OGE-450. If you have any questions concerning this matter, you should direct them to the Agency Ethics Officer.

You are required to acknowledge receipt of this appointment on the original copy and return it to the Contracting Officer within 10 days. A duplicate copy shall be retained in your files.

This appointment requires that you acquire and maintain the skills and training to continue supporting the REE mission as a member of the professional Acquisition Workforce. As a COR with a Level certification, you must acquire 40 hours of basic training within six (6) months of this appointment, if you have not already done so. You will then need to take 40 hours of maintenance training every two (2) years, and provide copies of all training certificates to your supervisor and the Acquisition Programs and Oversight Branch (APOB), Acquisition and Property Division (APD). Please refer to Departmental Regulation 5001-1 and APD’s Policy Memorandum 01-04, on the APD website for additional information on training requirements.

Your COR designation and certification will be revoked or terminated if you fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, violate the code of conduct, or fail to maintain the required level of proficiency and skill. Revocation of your certification, for reasons other than separation from ARS, will be provided in writing.

RECEIPT OF THIS APPOINTMENT IS HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGED:

Date

Telephone Number:

E-mail:

Agricultural Research Service

Research, Education and Economics

United States Department of Agriculture

ARS

2008-09-04

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