Contracting Officer

The contracting officer (CO) is a forest or district employee who works with a variety of Forest Service contracts. The CO may not be familiar with the technical aspects of tree planting but will be familiar with technical aspects of contract procedures and legal actions. The contracting officer's representative (COR) will provide the technical expertise needed to administer the contract. Good communication skills are needed by the CO and the COR. The CO needs to be available and responsive when trees are being planted, so that contract disputes or misunderstandings can be resolved during the planting window. Contract disputes or misunderstandings must be handled quickly and efficiently, because the period of favorable weather and soil conditions (the planting window) is brief.