Who determines the final cost of the contract and approves the final voucher?

The determination of the final cost of a contract and the approval of the final voucher is typically the responsibility of the contracting officer or a delegated contract administration office. This is due to their role in overseeing the contractual obligations and ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

Contracting officers are authorized representatives of the government or an organization who have the authority to enter into, administer, and terminate contracts. Their expertise allows them to effectively assess the costs associated with contract performance, as well as to validate that all contractual requirements have been met before approving final payments.

In contrast, while the finance department manages financial transactions, it does not assess contract compliance or negotiate terms. The project manager may oversee the overall execution of the project but does not typically have the authority to approve financial outcomes or vouchers. The contractor is responsible for performing the work and providing the invoice but does not have the jurisdiction to determine the final costs or approve payments. This clear delineation of roles and responsibilities helps maintain the integrity of the contracting process.