(d) Each DOT OA is responsible for establishing Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) nomination and appointment procedures consistent with the DOT Acquisition Workforce Career Development Program.

(b) Policy. DOT policy requires that all procurement decisions shall be made only by Government officials having authority to carry out such acquisitions. Procurement decisions made by other than authorized personnel are contrary to Departmental policy and may be considered matters of serious misconduct on the part of the employee making an unauthorized commitment. Disciplinary action against an employee who makes an unauthorized commitment may be considered.

Each DOT OA is responsible for appointing its contracting officers. Each HCA shall appoint one Chief of the Contracting Office (COCO) for each OA. Individuals designated as COCOs are considered contracting officers and shall be appointed by their respective HCA. The HCA may select, appoint, and terminate the appointment of contracting officers. The HCA may re-delegate this authority to a level no lower than that of the COCO.

The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1252.201–70, Contracting Officer's Representative, in solicitations and contracts that are identified as other than firm-fixed-price, and for firm-fixed-price solicitations and contracts when appointment of a contracting officer's representative is anticipated.