What should the CO do upon receiving a notification of a new contract deliverable?

Upon receiving a notification of a new contract deliverable, it is essential for the Contracting Officer (CO) to conduct an investigation and determine whether there is a necessity for the ratification process. This is critical because the introduction of new deliverables may impact the terms of the contract, the scope of work, and potentially the funding involved.

The CO must assess whether the new deliverable aligns with the existing contract terms or whether it represents a change that requires formal approval. If the new deliverable was not authorized under the contract as it currently stands, a ratification process may be necessary to ensure that the government’s interests are protected and that any modifications are properly documented and approved. This protects both the contractor and the government from potential disputes and establishes a clear and legal framework for any modifications to contractual obligations.

The other options do not appropriately address the CO's responsibilities in managing contractual relationships. Authorizing all new requests without delay could lead to unintended commitments and financial implications. Informing the contractor they lack authority to submit new deliverables could dismiss potentially important contributions or necessary adjustments. Ignoring the notification entirely is not a responsible action, as it could lead to misunderstandings and contractual issues later on. Therefore, the prudent action is for the CO to investigate