What must a Contracting Officer ensure in relation to compliance?

A Contracting Officer must ensure compliance with all applicable laws, Executive Orders, and Regulations because it is fundamental to the integrity and legality of the procurement process. Compliance ensures that contracts are executed fairly, transparently, and within the established legal frameworks that govern government contracting.

This responsibility encompasses a wide range of legal aspects, including adherence to federal acquisition regulations, ethical guidelines, and specific mandates that may be outlined in Executive Orders. By ensuring compliance, Contracting Officers safeguard the interests of the government, promote accountability, and maintain public trust in government contracting practices.

Other options focus on aspects that, while important, do not capture the primary responsibility of a Contracting Officer. For instance, prioritizing the highest possible contracts for contractors does not ensure fairness or compliance and could lead to unethical practices. Likewise, consistent communication with contractors only when problems arise does not maintain a proactive approach to compliance and can result in oversights. Finally, maximizing profit margins for the government, while beneficial, is not the primary focus of a Contracting Officer's role; instead, ensuring lawful and effective procurement practices is the priority.