What can the COR do to avoid legal issues arising from miscommunication?

Maintaining thorough and accurate records is crucial for a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) to avoid legal issues that may arise from miscommunication. Good record-keeping practices provide a clear, documented history of decisions, agreements, and communications between parties involved in a contract. These records can include emails, meeting notes, contract modifications, and performance assessments.

When misunderstandings or disputes occur, having a detailed account of all interactions helps clarify the intentions of both parties and supports the COR in defending the position of the government. It demonstrates transparency and accountability, which are essential for successful contract management and helps mitigate risks throughout the contract's lifecycle.

In contrast, relying solely on verbal contracts may lead to ambiguity, as the terms and conditions are not recorded, making it difficult to enforce or validate claims later on. Reducing communication frequency could exacerbate misunderstandings, as less frequent checks might lead to assumptions or errors going unnoticed. Allowing only contractors access to records fails to promote transparency and accountability, which can lead to further complications in managing the contract. Therefore, maintaining thorough and accurate records stands out as the most effective strategy for preventing legal issues from miscommunication.