Responsibilities of the cognizant administrative contracting officer
The administrative contracting officer must actively monitor, document, and promptly report on contractor compliance with small business subcontracting plans, ensuring timely intervention if commitments or good faith efforts are not met.
Overview
FAR 19.706 outlines the responsibilities of the cognizant administrative contracting officer (ACO) in relation to subcontracting plans under the Small Business Subcontracting Program. The ACO plays a critical role in evaluating, monitoring, and documenting contractor performance regarding their obligations to subcontract with small businesses and other designated categories. The contract administration office must support the contracting officer by providing timely and thorough information on contractor compliance, performance history, and any issues with meeting subcontracting goals or good faith efforts. Immediate notification is required if the contractor is not meeting commitments or is not acting in good faith, as well as upon contract completion regarding goal attainment.
Key Rules
- Evaluation and Monitoring of Subcontracting Plans
- The ACO must assist in evaluating subcontracting plans and monitor contractor performance under the relevant clauses and plans.
- Documentation and Reporting
- The contract administration office must provide documentation on contractor performance, compliance history, and current efforts to meet subcontracting goals.
- Immediate Notification of Noncompliance
- Immediate notice must be given if the contractor fails to meet commitments or is not acting in good faith, including rationale for such findings.
- Contract Completion Reporting
- Upon contract completion, the office must report whether goals were met and if any lack of good faith effort is indicated.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Rely on the ACO and contract administration office for accurate, timely information on subcontracting plan compliance and performance.
- Contractors: Must comply with subcontracting plan requirements, make good faith efforts, and ensure subcontractors adopt similar plans when required.
- Agencies: Must monitor, document, and report on contractor performance and compliance, and provide immediate notifications of issues.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures robust oversight of subcontracting plan compliance, supporting small business participation in federal contracts.
- It impacts daily contract administration by requiring ongoing monitoring, documentation, and prompt reporting of issues.
- Common pitfalls include delayed notifications, incomplete documentation, or failure to identify lack of good faith efforts, which can affect contractor evaluations and future awards.