This course is designed to ensure that the COR understands the regulatory environment, the technical administration requirements of the contract, and how to effectively work with other members of the procurement team. This specialized program covers proven methods of monitoring contractor performance and effective problem resolution techniques. It covers the basics but focuses on “real world” situations facing the COR and COTR. Student centered exercises are used to reinforce concepts critical to successful contract performance.

The Government procures billions of dollars worth of supplies and services each year. To reduce costs, agencies are increasingly outsourcing services that are not inherently governmental. The contracting officer’s representative (COR) and contracting officer’s technical representative (COTR) are key personnel in representing government interests and interfacing with contractor personnel. To be effective, COR’s must understand their role in the contracting process and the steps required to ensure that contract goals are met.

The course materials incorporate recent developments impacting the COR, such as performance based requirements, risk assessment and its relation to surveillance and performance monitoring, tools used for problem resolution, and the disputes resolution process.

1. The Setting
   1. The Institutional Framework
   2. Regulations
   3. The Basic Procurement Process
   
   
2. Contract Basics
   1. Sealed Bidding
   2. Competitive Negotiation
   3. Cost Principles
   4. Socioeconomic Considerations
   5. Fraud and Ethical Considerations
   
   
3. Performance
   1. Specifications
   2. Government Property
   3. Intellectual Property Risks
   4. Changes
   5. Delays
   6. Equitable Adjustment Claims
   7. Inspection and Warranty
   8. Payment
   
   
4. Terminations
   1. Termination for Default
   2. Terminations for Convenience
   
   
5. Disputes and Remedies
   1. The Disputes Process
   2. The Claims and Contracting Officer Decision
   
   
6. Subcontracting Issues

The Contracting Officer Representative must have a strong foundation in contracting fundamentals. More importantly the COR must be able to develop appropriate monitoring methods and effective problem resolution techniques. This dynamic course covers specific issues unique to construction, manufacturing, and routine--as well as--complex service contracts. Areas include:

• The importance of the contract priority rating system.
• Factors used to determine the extent of performance monitoring.
• How to select the most appropriate monitoring method.
• Considerations for developing a contract administration and quality assurance plan.
• Develop an understanding of contractor progress reporting and management techniques such as milestone charts, Program Evaluation Review. Technique (PERT), and Material Requirements Planning (MRP).
• Actions necessary in responding to contractor requests.
• How to assess the impact of a performance problem.
• Understanding the different types of remedies.

Ben Scalise Consultant and Certified Acquisition Professional in Contracting, Manufacturing and Program Management/Former Professor of Contract Management with the Defense Systems Management College in Fort Belvoir, Virginia/Has taught and consulted on every key facet of DoD and Government wide procurement, including instruction on Statements of Work; Acquisition Planning; Contract Methods and Types; RFP Preparation; Source Selection; Contract Award and Administration; Contractor Finance and Manufacturing Management/Has served on the Secretary of Air Force’s Acquisition Contracting Staff at the Pentagon and worked on Major Systems Acquisition programs such as Joint STARS, AWACS, the B-1B Bomber, and F-16 and F-15 fighters/Air Force Institution of Technology (AFIT) Education with Industry graduate; Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Louisiana State University; Masters degree in Business Administration and Public Administration from Webster University.