CO

A Contracting Officer is a government official with the legal authority to enter into, administer, modify, and terminate contracts on behalf of the United States. The CO is the only person authorized to obligate government funds and make changes to contract terms and conditions.

All communications that could affect contract price, schedule, or scope must go through or be ratified by the CO. Contractors should understand that promises or directions from anyone other than the CO (or someone explicitly delegated in writing) do not bind the government. The CO makes final decisions on contract disputes, issues cure notices and show-cause letters, and determines whether to exercise options or terminate for convenience or default.