What Does
Contracting Officer Mean?
A contracting officer is a person who has the authority to enter into or administer contracts in a trenchless construction project. It is a legal term clearly defined by U.S. government regulations.
In the trenchless construction industry, a contracting officer signs agreements and legal documents from the beginning to the end of a project.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Contracting Officer
Trenchless construction firms must overcome many obstacles besides the excavation of soil. Crossing the property of homeowners or businesses requires agreements known as easements, and government entities can put challenging roadblocks in front of any project. Legal actions to address these issues require a contracting officer to sign documents on behalf of the company.
The legal definition of a contracting officer is coded in U.S. government regulation 41 USC § 601:
(3) the term “contracting officer” means any person who, by appointment in accordance with applicable regulations, has the authority to enter into and administer contracts and make determinations and findings with respect thereto. The term also includes the authorized representative of the contracting officer, acting within the limits of his authority.
The contracting officer may be the owner of the company or some other person designated for that role.