A Contracting Officer's Representative

COR Duties

Rules are based on common-sense principles, the application of common sense to particular facts will not always result in the right answer; so it is important that the COR learn and understand the rules. Improper conduct of a COR, or any government official, taints the process and places an even heavier burden on all of us to conduct our affairs with the highest standards of ethical behavior.

A Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) has a unique responsibility of trust to uphold the interests of the American people through honest behavior. The COR has a fiduciary responsibility, which is defined as; a relationship imposed by law where someone voluntarily agrees to act in the capacity of a caretaker of another's rights, assets

Discussing with the contractor or subcontractors any potential employment opportunities for yourself or your friends, associates, or family members. Engaging in any personal business or professional activity that would cause a conflict of interest between the private interests of the COR and the public interests of the United States. Using your COR position to induce, coerce, or influence any person, including subordinates, to provide any benefits, financial or otherwise, for yourself or others. Soliciting or accepting favors, gratuities, considerations, assistance or entertainment offered to you or your family members from a contractor or subcontractor that is contemplating doing business with the government. Releasing to any individual, or any individual business concern or its representatives, any knowledge acquired in any way concerning proposed procurements by any procuring activity. You will find you are violating the ethics of a

Some simple situations can quickly find you in violation of the ethics standards. Events such as going to lunch with the contractor, traveling in the same car as the contractor, accepting gifts, accepting gratuities, and working for a contractor after leaving work as a COR. The following sections should help you identify and understand the rules of ethics for CORs and other government employees.

(Source DAU COR Slides)

Information Security

Information security means protecting information and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Information security is concerned with the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data regardless of the form the data may take: electronic, print, or other forms.

To maintain information security, do not discuss acquisition or sensitive information in areas that are not secure; such as hallways, bathrooms, dining facilities, or at a meeting, until you know who is nearby and can overhear. According to 18 United States Code (USC) 1905, government employees may not divulge information received in the course of their employment or official duties. If they do, the punishment is a fine and/ or one year in prison.

(Source DAU COR Slides)