What is the primary role of a Contracting Officer (CO)?

The primary role of a Contracting Officer (CO) is to administer and manage contracts on behalf of the Government. This encompasses a wide array of responsibilities that include overseeing the execution of contracts, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and managing any modifications or deliverables associated with the contracts. The CO must ensure that the government's interests are protected while also maintaining positive relationships with contractors.

In this role, the CO is charged with making decisions that affect the contractual obligations, such as approving payments and resolving disputes. Effective administration of contracts is crucial for maintaining the integrity of government operations and ensuring that the outcomes are aligned with the intended objectives of the procurement process.

While negotiating terms of service with suppliers and providing creative solutions for contractor issues form part of a CO’s duties, these activities fall under the broader umbrella of contract management and administration. Additionally, supervising all operations of the contracting office is not solely the role of the CO, as that function might be handled by a higher level of management or other designated personnel within the office. Therefore, option B succinctly captures the essence of the CO's primary responsibilities.