Who must ensure that the COR has the necessary expertise related to the contract?

The unit nominating the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) has the responsibility to ensure that the COR possesses the necessary expertise related to the contract. This is critical because the effectiveness of contract oversight and management depends largely on the COR's knowledge and skills pertinent to the specific requirements of the contract.

By properly vetting and nominating an individual with the right background and competencies, the unit ensures that the COR can accurately monitor contractor performance, understand the technical and operational aspects of the work being performed, and effectively communicate with both the contractor and the contracting officer. The emphasis here is on the accountability of the unit to select someone capable of fulfilling these responsibilities effectively.

In contrast, while the contracting officer and the requiring activity manager play vital roles in the contracting process, their primary responsibilities differ from that of nominating and training the COR. The contractor is not involved in the nomination or assessment of the COR's qualifications, as that falls under the purview of the government or military unit managing the contract.