Office of Acquisition and Logistics (OAL)
Acquisition Policy Flash! 22-04
Appendix to VAAM M801.604-70 Contracting Officer’s Representative Guidance
Purpose: This Acquisition Policy Flash provides additional guidance to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) acquisition workforce regarding Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) guidance and responsibility determination documentation. This VAAM guidance will provide guidance for Contracting Officers and Contracting Officer’s Representatives about their responsibilities through the entire acquisition lifecycle (from pre-award to post-award phases).
Effective Date: Immediately.
Affected FAR Parts: VAAM Parts M801 and M809
Background: The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) audited the Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology Next Generation Contract, also known as the T4NG contract, and issued report number 17-04178-46 on 13 June 2019. As part of the report, OIG provided recommendations for better oversight and compliance with current acquisition rules and regulations.
As a result of the OIG report, additional guidance for CORs is being included as VAAM M801.604-70 and VAAM M809.105-2 is being updated to include additional guidance on contractor responsibility determinations.
Applicability: This Acquisition Policy Flash applies to all VA contracting activities awarding contracts.
Action Required: COs and CORs should review the appendix and ensure compliance with all applicable guidance and regulations, to include invoice processing documentation(s), periodic contracting officer representative file(s) review(s), as required by current FAR, VAAR, and VAAM guidance and procedures.
Additional Information: Direct any questions or comments to the Procurement Guidance and Instruction Service (PGIS) via email at VAPGISMailbox@va.gov.
