Who is the only member of the acquisition team authorized to award, change, or terminate a contract?

The contracting officer is the sole member of the acquisition team who possesses the authority to award, modify, or terminate contracts. This role is critical within the procurement process as the contracting officer ensures compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and policies governing federal acquisitions. They have the formal authority to enter into binding agreements with contractors on behalf of the government, which includes the power to make changes to existing contracts or to terminate them when necessary.

The contracting officer is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the contracting process, which is essential for achieving successful procurement outcomes. Their decisions must align with regulatory requirements and the best interests of the government while ensuring that taxpayer funds are used effectively.

Other roles in the acquisition team, such as the Contractor, Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and Acquisition Team Leader, do not have the authority to make binding contract decisions. The contractor is the entity providing the goods or services, the COR assists with the oversight of contract performance to ensure compliance, and the Acquisition Team Leader may play a role in guiding the acquisition strategy but lacks the legal authority to execute contracts.