Inspectors

Inspectors are designated by the COR to secure compliance of contract requirements. The COR shall designate the inspectors in writing, specifying responsibilities that the COR has delegated to the inspectors. The inspectors must understand the requirements of the contract and be able to recognize whether the requirements are being adhered to during the tree planting operation. Although generally not required, COR training is beneficial for inspectors.

The COR supervises the work of the Government inspectors. The COR may be on the planting site throughout the contract period, or he or she may be traveling from one area to another while administering several contracts. In any case, the COR must be readily available so that any problems can be handled quickly and efficiently. On larger contracts, when more than one inspector is on the site, the COR may specify a “lead inspector” whose role is to coordinate the work of all inspectors and limit confusion when inspectors communicate with the contractor.

The inspectors maintain daily diaries, check inspection plots, observe all aspects of the planting activity, and keep the COR informed of all contract progress and conformance problems. The inspector also may maintain the records of trees provided by the Government, equipment issued to and returned by the contractor, tree orders from the contractor, and any changes needed to the contract. The inspector also may issue a notice of noncompliance when the contractor fails to meet contract requirements, particularly when tree survival is at risk.