COR

The COR role is formalized under FAR 1.602-2 and OFPP Policy Letter 05-01. CORs must be certified (FAC-COR certification at Level I, II, or III depending on contract complexity) and are formally designated in the contract. Their authority is limited strictly to what is written in their COR appointment letter — anything beyond that authority is legally unauthorized and creates risk for both the government and the contractor.

What the COR can do:

• Monitor contractor performance against the PWS/SOW
• Inspect and accept deliverables
• Recommend invoice approval or rejection
• Draft CPARS evaluations
• Relay technical direction within existing contract scope
• Identify potential scope changes and elevate them to the CO

What the COR CANNOT do:

• Issue contract modifications or change orders
• Obligate additional funding
• Direct the contractor to perform work outside the contract scope
• Make commitments on behalf of the government that affect price, terms, or deliverables

Why CORs matter for contractors: The COR drafts the first version of your CPARS evaluation. Your relationship with your COR — professional, transparent, proactive — directly shapes the past performance ratings that follow you into future competitions.

Best practices:

• Document all significant communications in writing
• If the COR requests work that may be out of scope, immediately flag it to the CO before proceeding
• Proactively brief your COR on progress, risks, and accomplishments — don't make them chase you
• FAC-COR certification levels: Level I (low complexity), Level II (moderate), Level III (high complexity/sensitive programs)