Who is designated and authorized by the contracting officer to perform specific functions?

The designation of the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) is crucial in the contracting process as this individual is explicitly authorized by the contracting officer to oversee the administration of the contract. The COR serves as the liaison between the contracting officer and the contractor, ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

A COR has a defined role which includes monitoring the contractor’s performance, verifying that they are meeting the contractual requirements, and providing technical guidance. This delegated authority allows the contracting officer to focus on broader strategic decisions while ensuring that the contract's execution aligns with agency goals.

In contrast, terms like Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR), Acquisition Team Member, and Procurement Analyst do not accurately capture the specific, authorized responsibilities assigned to a representative in a contracting capacity. While these roles may have overlapping functions or involvement in the contracting process, they do not carry the formal authorization and responsibilities granted to a COR.