Contracting Officer's Technical Representative

A Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) is a business communications liaison between the United States government and a private contractor. He or she ensures that their goals are mutually beneficial. The COTR is normally a federal or state employee who is responsible for recommending authorizing (or denying) actions and expenditures for both standard delivery orders and task orders, and those that fall outside of the normal business practices of its supporting contractors and sub-contractors. Most COTRs have experience in the technical area (i.e., electronics, chemistry, public health, etc.) that is critical to the success of translating government requirements into technical requirements that can be included in government acquisition documents for potential contractor to bid and execute that work. A COTR must be designated by a Contracting Officer (CO). The CO has the actual authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. Other terms for COTR include Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and Project Officer (PO). The terminology may be agency specific.

Responsibilities

The Contracting Officer's Technical Representative is responsible for monitoring the contractor's progress in fulfilling the technical requirements specified in the contract. The COTR ensures that all required documentation and data are submitted in accordance with the procurement deliverable schedule. Should the contractor fail to fulfill the contractual requirements, the COTR must inform the contractor of such failure. The COTR informs the contracting officer of any technical or contractual problems or delays. The COTR maintains administration records, approves invoices and performs final inspection and acceptance of work performed under the contract.

There are limits to the authority delegated to the COTR. The COTR is not authorized to make any commitments or obligations on behalf of the government. The COTR may not grant the contractor permission to deviate from the requirements stated in the contract, nor direct the contractor to perform any work outside that stated in the contract.

Training Requirements

On November 26, 2007 the Office of Management and Budget, issued a memorandum which established a standardized training program for Contracting Officer's Technical Representatives. The program was developed by the Federal Acquisition Institute in coordination with all executive agencies. The program applies to all Technical Representatives except those subject to Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act. All Technical Representatives appointed after November 26, 2007 must be certified no later than six months from their date of appointment. Technical Representatives who received their appointment before November 26, 2007 must ensure that training is obtained, and they are recertified no later than 12 months from the effective date of the memorandum

The COTR must have a minimum of 40 hours of training, including 22 hours of training in essential COTR competencies. The COTR competencies include project management, decision making, market research, problem solving and negotiations. The remaining 18 hours of training should include courses relating to the specific needs of the agency and program office. Once the COTR receives their certification they are required to earn 40 continuous learning points every two years thereafter.

See also

See the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Federal Acquisition Institute [1] Acquisition Central [2] Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer's Technical Representatives [3]