Who is primarily responsible for preparing and submitting claims for reimbursement of costs according to the terms of a contract?

The contractor is primarily responsible for preparing and submitting claims for reimbursement of costs according to the terms of a contract. This responsibility arises from the nature of contractual agreements, where the contractor engages in the performance of work or services and incurs costs that are eligible for reimbursement under the contract's terms.

In this context, the contractor must maintain accurate records of the expenses they incur throughout the project, including labor, materials, overhead, and any other applicable costs. By preparing and submitting claims for these expenses, the contractor is effectively ensuring that they receive the compensation outlined in the agreement. The detailed documentation and compliance with the contract requirements are critical to successfully obtaining reimbursement.

In contrast, the roles of the contract manager, contracting officer, and financial officer involve oversight and administration of the contract rather than the direct submission of claims. The contract manager ensures that the contract is executed properly and that the parties adhere to its provisions. The contracting officer is responsible for the negotiation and management of the contract but does not typically engage in the preparation of claims. The financial officer may handle financial aspects, such as budgeting or accounting, but does not prepare claims for reimbursement. Thus, the contractor stands out as the primary entity responsible for this task within the contracting process.