What Does a Contract Specialist Actually Do?
The difference between CO and CS, who has authority, and who you should be talking to.
You see "Contract Specialist" on a SAM.gov listing. Can they award your contract? Should you call them? Here's the difference between a Contract Specialist and a Contracting Officer.
The Two Roles: CO vs CS
In federal procurement, there are two main roles you'll encounter:
Contracting Officer (CO/KO)
- Has warrant (legal authority)
- Can obligate government funds
- Signs contracts
- Makes binding decisions
- Final authority on awards
Contract Specialist (CS)
- No warrant (works under CO)
- Drafts solicitations
- Answers questions
- Coordinates evaluations
- Does most of the work
What's a "Warrant"?
A warrant is the legal authority to enter into contracts on behalf of the U.S. Government. Only warranted officials can obligate funds.
Warrants have dollar limits. A Contract Specialist might work on a $50 million procurement, but the Contracting Officer with the appropriate warrant level signs it.
Who Should You Contact?
Contact the Contract Specialist when:
- You have questions about solicitation requirements
- You need clarification on evaluation criteria
- You're responding to a Sources Sought
- The solicitation lists them as POC
Contact the Contracting Officer when:
- You need a formal interpretation of terms
- You have a contract modification request
- There's a dispute or claim
In practice: Contact whoever is listed on the solicitation. If it says "Questions to: [email protected]" - that's who you email, regardless of title.
Key Takeaways
- A CS can't promise you'll win - they can only answer questions
- The CS today might be the CO in 2 years - build relationships
- Contract problems go to the CO, not the CS who drafted the RFP
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