Chapter 1
Importance of Contracting on the Battlefield
In one form or another, contractors have been part of the battlefield since the American Revolution, when General George Washington used civilian wagon drivers to haul military supplies. Over time, contracting support has evolved from an ad hoc add-on capability to an essential part of the US force projection capability.
Using contractors is a force multiplier. Today, US Armed Forces rely on contractor support for almost every mission. The key to effective contractor support is ensuring contractors follow the contract requirements. CORs play a critical role in making that happen.1
Contracting Officer's Representatives
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.2017000, Contracting Officer's Representative, defines a COR as "an individual designated in accordance with subsection 201.602-2, Responsibilities, of the DFARS and authorized in writing by the contracting officer to perform specific technical and administrative functions" pursuant to the procedures at DFARS Procedures, Guidance, and Information 201.602-2, Responsibilities.
CORs closely monitor contract performance and provide the contracting officer with documentation that identifies the contractor's compliance or noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the contract. Although the appropriate forms may not always be available, a simple signed memorandum with supporting data will suffice for the contracting officer to take action. That memorandum will become part of the official file documentation. Remember, the COR must document everything (for example, conversations, meeting minutes, and contractor performance).
The Deployed COR's Working Environment
The deployed COR works in an environment whose operational and functional demands are greater and more complex than those experienced by CORs supporting the Armed Forces during peacetime or in the continental United States. The following are among the challenges faced by the deployed COR.
- Different customs
- Corruption (a COR's number-one threat)
- Ethics issues
- Language barriers
- Time management issues
- Chain of command and conflicting responsibilities
- Length of deployments
- Transition of COR duties when redeployed
- Personal security due to threats in the contingency/combat environment
Note: Never underestimate the dangers of being a COR. It is likely that CORs will be required to travel outside protective areas to inspect the progress of a contract. CORs must ensure they have adequate protection.
To ensure their personal security, CORs should take the following precautions.
- Assess the risk and establish a risk management plan
- Never reveal the schedule for an on-site visit unless absolutely necessary
- Treat all excursions as a combat patrol
- Coordinate all actions with the unit and contracting officer
- Debrief the intelligence officer as necessary
- Spend time solely on the business effort (for example, avoid personal shopping or sightseeing while on business)
When escorting contractors inside of military installations, the COR must comply with base commander requirements for such escorts (badges, armed escorts) and ensure that the contractor understands and complies with those requirements.
Notes
- The phrase contracting officer's representative is used primarily by the Army, Navy, and Defense Contract Management Agency, while the Air Force uses the phrase "quality assurance personnel" for an equivalent position. "COR" is used throughout this handbook for simplicity. Top
Chapter Acronyms
COR – Contracting Officer's Representative
DFARS – Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement
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