acts as a focal point for the public works activities in the EFD's geographical area of responsibility.

The EFD procurement organization takes many forms, depending upon contract work load requirements, such as dollar volume, physical location, and type of work. The EFD can delegate contractual authority to local Civil Engineer Corps officers to act as either procuring contracts officer (PCO) or administrative contracts officer (ACO). As the PCO/ACO, they are responsible for the review and distribution of bid packages. They are also responsible for the receipt and evaluation of bids, awarding contracts, making payments, and resolving matters of contractual interpretation.

COGNIZANT AUTHORITY

Regarding contracting, there are several duties required that have specific authority. The execution of these duties requires specific skills and knowledge. Assign individuals who have the proper technical knowledge and background to these duties. Some cases require assignment of multiple responsibilities and duties. This assignment depends on the size of the activity and its involvement with contracts.

Officer in Charge

The commander, NAVFAC, delegates contract authority to the officer in charge (OIC). The OIC is responsible for all aspects of the contracting office including administration, management, training, and surveillance. This should be done according to Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARs), the Contracting Manual (NAVFAC P-68), and other pertinent regulations. The OIC is responsible for preparation of the final contract documents and conducts the solicitation and evaluation of bids.

Resident Officer in Charge

The OIC appoints the resident officer in charge (ROIC) who is normally responsible for the post-award management of a contract. As ROIC, he or she will usually arrange for the pre-award conference, certify contractor payments, prepare show cause notices, and monitor the complete performance of contracts assigned to him or her.

Facilities Support Contract Manager

The facilities support contract manager (FSCM) is responsible for the day-to-day management of a facilities support contract. The ROIC will appoint the FSCM when the contract is a construction, maintenance, or repair contract. His or her primay duty is to make the contract run smoothly. Before the award of a contract, the FSCM or ROIC is responsible for helping the OIC with the preparation of certain documents. Some of those documents are the statement of work government estimate, and the QA surveillance plan. After the award, the FSCM is the contractor's point of contact. The FSCM processes change orders. He or she also coordinates work orders with the ROIC.

The FSCM or ROIC has technical control and supervisory responsibility over the Quality Assurance Program. This program provides the best information on a contractor's performance because of the close daily contact with a contractor.

Quality Assurance Evaluator

The quality assurance evaluator (QAE) is responsible for monitoring the contractor's performance. The QAE works under the direction of the FSCM but is from the part of the organization that has functional responsibility and technical expertise. QAEs are responsible to the customer for ensuring that work meets the needs of the customer as outlined in the performance work statement (PWS). The FSCMs are responsible for confirming that the accomplished work meets the contract requirements. The QAEs are responsible for preparing the quality assurance (QA) plans. They are also responsible for the surveillance, documentation, and evaluation of the work performed. QAEs do not administer contracts but assist the facilities support contract manager through the verification and documentation stage of the contractor's performance.

Accomplishment of the QAE's functions requires in-depth knowledge of the functions evaluated. The QAE must have a detailed knowledge of the contract specification involved and general knowledge of contract administration procedures. Expect QAEs to have, at least, a detailed knowledge of the contract specification involved on assignment. QAEs will gain general knowledge of contract administration from the contract manager.

TYPES OF CONTRACTS

Currently, there are two contracting authorities used by the Navy for facility support contracts. They are NAVSUP and NAVFAC. For clarity, the different contracting authorities are discussed.