A Handy COR Reference!

The Deployed COR application addresses the problems that arise when providing contract support in an operational environment and provides a common point of departure for both first-time and experienced contracting officer’s representatives (CORs).

Key lessons:

1. Contracting is not the action of a single office or unit. Getting effective and cost-efficient operational contract support involves a team effort from the requiring activity, prospective contractors, supporting resource manager, supporting staff judge advocate, responsible contracting officer, others on the team because of specific circumstances, and the COR.

2. Commanders often identify and train CORs after the contract award (after the beginning of contract management). However, CORs are needed very early in the operational contract support process, no later than “source selection.”

3. CORs are responsible for (or have oversight of) invoicing and payment, contract changes, contract options, contractor management, property management, contract monitoring, performance reporting, performance remedies, and contract closeout (a frequently ignored requirement).

4. Issues that get CORs in trouble include security, crossing lines of authority, unauthorized commitments, gifts, and accepting and not reporting gifts.

The material for this application was sourced from the Deployed COR (Contracting Officer's Representative), published by the Center for Army Lessons Learned.