42.202
Assignment of contract administration
Proper delegation and communication of contract administration responsibilities are essential to ensure effective oversight and compliance throughout the contract lifecycle.
Overview
FAR 42.202 outlines the procedures and requirements for assigning contract administration responsibilities, including the delegation, rescinding, and secondary delegation of contract administration functions. It provides guidance for contracting officers on how to formally delegate contract administration to a Contract Administration Office (CAO), what information must be included in the delegation, and how to handle special instructions or additional functions. The section also covers the process for rescinding delegations, requesting supporting contract administration, and the circumstances under which special surveillance or refusal of delegation is appropriate.
Key Rules
- Delegating Contract Administration
- Contracting officers may delegate contract administration or specialized support services to a CAO, specifying the CAO's details, special instructions, contract copies, and relevant regulations.
- Special Instructions and Withheld Functions
- Contractors and relevant parties must be notified of any functions withheld from or added to the CAO's responsibilities.
- Delegating Additional Functions
- Additional functions not listed in FAR 42.302 can be delegated with prior coordination, approval, and provided they do not require new acquisitions.
- Rescinding Delegations
- Delegations can be rescinded, except for certain cost-related functions, with coordination and a reasonable transition period.
- Secondary Delegations
- CAOs may request supporting contract administration from other CAOs for specific functions, with written requests and supporting documents.
- Special Surveillance
- For major system acquisitions, high-risk components may be designated for special surveillance.
- Refusing Delegation
- Agencies may decline contract administration requests if resources are inadequate, with written justification.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure proper delegation, provide required documentation, communicate special instructions, coordinate rescissions, and manage surveillance requirements.
- Contractors: Must comply with instructions regarding contract administration and understand the CAO's role and any special surveillance.
- Agencies/CAOs: Must accept, support, or decline delegations as appropriate, and coordinate on resource availability and transition periods.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures clear assignment and management of contract administration responsibilities, reducing confusion and overlap.
- Proper delegation and communication help prevent gaps in oversight and ensure contract requirements are met.
- Common pitfalls include incomplete documentation, unclear delegation of functions, and inadequate coordination during rescission or transition periods.