DOs and DON’Ts: Contract Administration

Contract Administration

DO

DON’T

• Remember that the COR is an agent of the U.S. Government and only the authority delegated by the contracting officer.
• Get the names of contractor personnel who are authorized to represent the contractor.
• Find out the specific authority of contractor personnel (e.g., who has the authority to obligate the contractor).
• Confirm that all Government approvals or consents are timely.

• Accept less than the services or supplies required by the contract.
• Assume an interpretation of ambiguous contract language that would be favorable to the Government. Remember: if the contractor’s interpretation is reasonable, it will prevail.
• Hold up payment unless performance is deficient or defective.
• Accept supplies or services without a complete inspection.
• Make any change, modification, deletions, or additions to the contract requirements.  Instead, work through the contracting officer.
• Automatically consider all contractor claims to be unreasonable. Remember to be fair and impartial.