# Contracting Officer's Representative Course Canonical URL: ## Overview This course is specifically designed for Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) who are responsible for assuring that contractors are performing the technical portion of the contract. Acquire the breadth of knowledge required to perform the COR role, including knowledge related to roles and responsibilities, as well as fundamentals of contracting regulations; types, phases, and other elements of contracts; awareness of ethical, legal, and cultural factors that impact COR responsibilities; and information necessary to effectively evaluate situations, apply knowledge gained, and make correct decisions to carry out COR responsibilities. This course is equivalent to the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) course COR222 from which materials are adapted. This course is recommended by the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) as one of the certification requirements for the Contracting Officer's Representative certification (FAC-COR). ## What you'll learn - Recognize the duties, limitations, and authority of the COR. - Identify key laws and regulations that address fraud, waste, and abuse, and ethical considerations in federal contracting. - Recognize COR responsibilities in acquisition mission support planning. - Recognize the COR responsibilities in the contract award process. - Recognize the COR's role in tracking contract expenditures. - Recognize the COR's role in tracking the contract schedule. - Identify when proposed changes under the contract are needed so that the best interests of the government are protected. - Recognize the importance of the COR as a representative of the Contracting Officer during performance of the contract. - Identify the COR's participation in contract closeout. - Describe the COR's role in inspecting and accepting goods and services. - Identify major requirements for timely invoice review and payments. - Describe the administrative duties of the COR as outlined in the delegation letter. - Pinpoint the unique characteristics of a construction contract. - Know the unique characteristics of contracts in major systems and R&D acquisitions. - Identify control and disposition requirements for government-furnished or leased assets. ## Curriculum #### Module 1: What Is a COR? - Defines the role and responsibilities of a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) - Explains the authority and limitations of a COR - Introduces key terminology and acquisition team members - Discusses the legal framework governing COR actions #### Module 2: What Do I Need to Know About Ethics and Integrity? - Explores the ethical standards expected of CORs - Describes procurement integrity and conflict of interest - Provides examples of ethical dilemmas - Outlines consequences of unethical behavior #### Module 3: How Do I Contribute to Acquisition Planning? - Describes the COR's role in early acquisition planning - Outlines market research methods - Explains how to develop a statement of work (SOW) - Details how COR input supports cost and schedule decisions #### Module 4: How Am I Involved in Awarding the Contract? - Details how CORs assist in the source selection process - Explains reviewing proposals and providing technical input - Clarifies communication boundaries during evaluations #### Module 5: What is My Role in Managing the Contract? - Explains daily oversight responsibilities - Discusses invoice review and acceptance procedures - Covers contractor performance evaluation - Introduces tools and documentation for contract tracking #### Module 6: What if I Need to Modify the Contract? - Defines different types of contract modifications - Explains COR limitations in authorizing changes - Outlines the modification process and documentation #### Module 7: What if the Contract is Changed by Mistake? - Identifies unauthorized commitments and their risks - Explains how to avoid making unauthorized changes - Describes ratification procedures #### Module 8: What Can I Say and What Should I Document? - Clarifies appropriate COR communication with contractors - Explains required documentation practices - Covers records retention and file management #### Module 9: How Do I Monitor Performance? - Describes performance metrics and monitoring techniques - Introduces surveillance plans and checklists - Discusses addressing contractor deficiencies - Explains documentation of performance issues #### Module 10: How Do We Handle “Issues” with a Contractor? - Explains dispute resolution processes - Outlines escalation procedures - Provides guidance on issuing cure and show cause notices #### Module 11: Are There Special Considerations for Service Contracts? - Identifies unique requirements of service contracts - Describes roles of performance-based acquisition - Discusses contractor personnel oversight #### Module 12: Are There Special Considerations for Construction Contracts? - Explains construction-specific contract regulations - Highlights safety and site inspection protocols - Details construction schedule monitoring #### Module 13: Are There Special Considerations for Research and Development (R&D) Contracts? - Defines the structure of R&D contracts - Outlines managing technical uncertainties - Describes reporting and milestone tracking #### Module 14: The Role of a COR in a Contingency Environment - Identify cultural taboos in a contingency environment - Identify the process for reporting bribery, kickbacks, and other illegal acts - Given a contingency scenario, evaluate a contractor’s compliance with performance terms and conditions ## Schedule - Jul 27, 2026 – Jul 31, 2026 — Washington, DC - Nov 2, 2026 – Nov 6, 2026 — Washington, DC ## Instructors ### Anna Garcia-Durr — Instructor Ms. Garcia-Durr is a highly respected acquisition expert and retired U.S. Army officer with over 35 years of combined military and federal civilian service in logistics, contingency operations, and acquisition leadership. A former Contingency Contracting Officer, Anna brings operational insight from combat zones, austere environments, and disaster response operations directly into the training environment. She held senior leadership roles across the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives—managing multi-billion dollar portfolios and overseeing mission-critical procurement in domestic and international settings. She is also a seasoned instructor and mentor, having trained hundreds of acquisition professionals, CORs, and program teams to exceed performance and compliance goals. She equips today’s acquisition professionals with the insight, precision, and mission-driven mindset needed to confidently lead and execute procurements in any acquisition environment. Anna holds a Juris Master in Corporate Compliance and Contracts and graduate certificates in Contract Management and Program/Project Management. Her certifications include Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM), DAWIA Level III (Contracting), and FAC-C / FAC-COR Level III. ### Jeff Hysen — Instructor Jeff Hysen has been with GSUSA since 2020, teaches numerous classes, and has received several awards for his work. Before joining Graduate School USA, Jeff was an Assistant Regional Counsel with the General Services Administration for 31 years. At GSUSA, Jeff served as the lead counsel on Ethics issues for the National Capital Region and worked on numerous projects across various fields. In addition to his work with GSUSA, Jeff is a podcast host and stand-up comedian. ### Melanie Dooley — Instructor Melanie Dooley is a seasoned expert in federal acquisition and contracting with more than three decades of experience spanning government, industry, and education. She has built a distinguished career as both a practitioner and educator, serving as a Vice President of Acquisition Policy for SAIC, a managing editor for the _Federal Contracts Report_ at Bloomberg BNA, and an instructor and curriculum developer for Graduate School USA. Her background includes deep knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes, the federal budget and appropriations cycle, and the intricacies of acquisition policy. She has also cultivated an exceptional ability to translate complex policy and contracting issues into practical guidance, having trained members of the defense and civilian acquisition workforce at all levels. In addition to her leadership roles, Melanie brings corporate strategy experience, extensive editorial expertise from her years in the trade press, and a strong record of shaping acquisition policy within a major defense contractor. She is a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) and a Fellow of the National Contract Management Association, where she has held leadership roles including VP of Programs and Fellows Chair. With an MBA from Georgetown University and a reputation for clarity, rigor, and real-world insight, Melanie has become a trusted resource to federal professionals, corporate leaders, and students alike. ### Alan McCain — Curriculum Program Manager Alan McCain is a retired combat veteran who served as both an Air Force enlisted member and a Navy officer. He brings over 30 years of experience spanning federal and commercial budgeting, auditing, programming, operations, global logistics support, supply chain and inventory management, as well as major IT acquisition. He possesses extensive, hands-on budget and audit experience across Federal, State, and Local government operations, including work within the Executive Office of the President and the Departments of State, Defense, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Education, as well as the Office of the Mayor of Washington, D.C., among others. Alan’s consulting background includes strategic planning and business development with the District of Columbia government, multiple federal agencies, Lockheed Martin, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a Certified Government/Defense Financial Manager (CGFM/DFM), holds a Teaching Certification from Harvard University’s Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, and earned an Executive MBA in International Business from The George Washington University. ## Pricing **Tuition:** $1900