General
Agencies must establish and maintain formal programs and systems to ensure only qualified, properly trained individuals are appointed as contracting officers, in compliance with OFPP standards.
Overview
FAR 1.603-1 outlines the statutory and policy requirements for the selection, appointment, and termination of contracting officers within federal agencies. It mandates that agency heads establish and maintain a procurement career management program and a formal system for managing contracting officer appointments. These processes must align with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) standards, particularly those related to skill-based training and workforce development as detailed in OFPP Policy Letter No. 05-01. The authority to select, appoint, or terminate contracting officers may be delegated by the agency head to appropriate designees. This ensures that only qualified individuals, who have met established training and competency standards, are entrusted with contracting authority on behalf of the government.
Key Rules
- Procurement Career Management Program
- Agencies must have a structured program for managing the careers of procurement professionals.
- System for Contracting Officer Appointments
- Agencies must implement a formal system for selecting, appointing, and terminating contracting officers.
- OFPP Standards Compliance
- All appointments must adhere to OFPP’s skill-based training and workforce development standards.
- Delegation of Authority
- Agency heads may delegate the authority to appoint or terminate contracting officers to designees.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must meet training and competency standards before appointment.
- Contractors: No direct compliance, but should be aware that only properly appointed officers have authority.
- Agencies: Must establish career management programs, ensure compliance with OFPP standards, and maintain appointment systems.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures that only qualified individuals are given contracting authority, reducing risk and promoting integrity in federal procurement.
- Agencies must invest in workforce development and maintain robust appointment systems.
- Contractors should verify that individuals acting as contracting officers are properly appointed to avoid unauthorized commitments.