Contract News

Assign Contracting Functions And Responsibilities From One Agency To Another

Create joint or combined offices to exercise acquisition functions and responsibilities.

1.602  Contracting officers.

1.602-1  Authority.

(a) Contracting officers have authority to enter into, administer, or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. Contracting officers may bind the Government only to the extent of the authority delegated to them. Contracting officers shall receive from the appointing authority (see 1.603-1) clear instructions in writing regarding the limits of their authority. Information on the limits of the contracting officers’ authority shall be readily available to the public and agency personnel.

(b) No contract shall be entered into unless the contracting officer ensures that all requirements of law, executive orders, regulations, and all other applicable procedures, including clearances and approvals, have been met.

1.602-2  Responsibilities.
Contracting officers are responsible for ensuring performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting, ensuring compliance with the terms of the contract, and safeguarding the interests of the United States in its contractual relationships. In order to perform these responsibilities, contracting officers should be allowed wide latitude to exercise business judgment. Contracting officers shall—

(a) Ensure that the requirements of 1.602-1(b) have been met, and that sufficient funds are available for obligation;

(b) Ensure that contractors receive impartial, fair, and equitable treatment; and

(c) Request and consider the advice of specialists in audit, law, engineering, transportation, and other fields, as appropriate

Contact our Massachusetts Contract Lawyer Now!

	Did You Know?
	Parol Evidence Rule' Forbids The Change Of Terms Of A Written Contract The parol evidence rule enacts a principle of the common law of contracts that presumes that a written contract covers the agreement between the parties involved. It forbids the introduction of extrinsic evidence which would change the terms of a written contract.