When should the Required Official Representative (COR) be nominated?

The nomination of the Required Official Representative, or COR, during the requirements package development process is essential for several reasons. Firstly, involving the COR early ensures that they have a comprehensive understanding of the contract's objectives, scope, and specifications right from the outset. This allows the COR to provide valuable input into the requirements that will ultimately shape the contract and aid in anticipating potential challenges.

Moreover, early nomination equips the COR with the necessary knowledge and tools to monitor contractor performance effectively once the contract is awarded. Having the COR engaged from the beginning streamlines communication and ensures that the contracting officer and the project team can capitalize on the insights and expertise that the COR can provide right from the development phase. This proactive approach helps to mitigate risks and enhances the overall effectiveness of contract management.

In contrast, nominating the COR after the contract is awarded or just before contract performance starts may lead to a disconnect between the contractor and the government team, which could result in oversights or delays in issue identification and resolution. Therefore, early nomination is crucial for successful contract execution and management.