53.201-1
Contracting authority and responsibilities (SF 1402)
SF 1402 is the mandatory form for officially appointing contracting officers, ensuring only authorized individuals can bind the government in contracts.
Overview
FAR 53.201-1 prescribes the use of Standard Form (SF) 1402, "Certificate of Appointment," for officially appointing contracting officers. This form serves as the formal documentation of a contracting officer's authority, as referenced in FAR 1.603-3. The regulation ensures that only individuals who have been properly appointed and possess a valid SF 1402 are authorized to enter into, administer, or terminate contracts on behalf of the government. The use of SF 1402 is a critical control to maintain the integrity of the federal acquisition process and to clearly delineate contracting authority and responsibilities.
Key Rules
- Use of SF 1402
- SF 1402 must be used to appoint contracting officers, providing written evidence of their authority.
- Reference to FAR 1.603-3
- The procedures and requirements for appointing contracting officers are detailed in FAR 1.603-3, which must be followed in conjunction with this section.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must possess a valid SF 1402 to exercise contracting authority.
- Contractors: Should verify that government representatives have proper authority (SF 1402) before accepting contractual commitments.
- Agencies: Must ensure that only properly appointed individuals (with SF 1402) act as contracting officers and maintain records of appointments.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to prevent unauthorized commitments and ensure accountability in federal contracting.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring clear documentation of authority, reducing the risk of unauthorized actions.
- Common pitfalls include failure to verify authority or improper appointment documentation, which can lead to contract disputes or invalid agreements.