You should familiarize yourself with the requirements of the contract, and communicate with the Contractor as necessary to ensure the Contractor is making satisfactory progress in performance of the contract. Other than the CO, you are the only Government employee who may direct the flow of technical matters between the Government and the Contractor. A contract is a legally enforceable agreement that contains the rights and remedies of the parties. You must keep the CO fully informed so that legally effective solutions can be applied to problems as they develop. Your suggestions to the Contractor may be construed as instructions and lead to claims for additional compensation or to a release of the Contractor from its obligations under the contract.
Suggestions sometime work out, but often lead to misunderstandings.
Therefore, while you can and must make technical decisions, do not take any contract administration actions unless they are clearly authorized by this appointment. Maintain an arms-length relationship with the contractor in the interest of procurement integrity as well as sound contract management. Keep the CO fully informed of any technical or contractual difficulties encountered during performance. You should also advise the CO of any potential problem areas under the contract. Assure the CO that the Contractor is performing the technical requirements of the contract in accordance with the contract terms, conditions, and specifications.