A Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) is a government employee responsible for overseeing the performance of contractors to ensure that all aspects of a contract are fulfilled. The COR acts as the liaison between the contracting officer and the contractor, ensuring that the contractor delivers goods or services in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined in the contract. This role is critical in managing the day-to-day aspects of contract administration, including monitoring the quality, timeliness, and overall performance of the contractor.
Beyond monitoring, the COR plays a pivotal role in developing the requirements and specifications before the contract is awarded. They help ensure that the contract is structured in a way that sets clear expectations for both parties. Once the contract is in place, the COR continuously assesses whether the contractor is meeting the agreed-upon commitments, often conducting inspections, audits, or evaluations to verify compliance. Their responsibility is to ensure that government resources are being used efficiently, and that the government receives the expected value from its contracts.
