What is a responsibility of the COR during the planning phase?

During the planning phase, the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) plays a critical role in assisting with market research. This responsibility is pivotal because market research helps in understanding the available options in the marketplace, which can inform the development of the contract requirements and the overall procurement strategy. By contributing to market research, the COR helps identify the best approaches to satisfy program needs, assess the capabilities of potential contractors, and establish realistic pricing and delivery expectations.

The other options involve activities that typically take place at later stages in the contracting process. Signing contracts is a formal authority reserved for contracting officers, not the COR. Determining final payments occurs after contract performance has been evaluated, and negotiating price adjustments is usually dealt with during the implementation or performance phase when adjustments to the contract may become necessary due to various factors. Thus, assisting with market research is the key responsibility of the COR during the planning phase, ensuring that informed decisions are made before the contract is executed.