Who is ultimately responsible for making the determination whether a contractor is responsible or not?
Asked by: Daisha Metz | Last update: February 10, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (12 votes)
Ultimately, the Contracting Officer (CO) (or the awarding authority in non-federal contexts) is responsible for determining if a contractor is "responsible" (has the capacity, integrity, and resources to perform) before awarding a contract, with this determination often formalized by the CO signing the contract. While the CO relies on input, supports their decision with documentation, and may involve others (like legal or technical experts) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) for small businesses, the final responsibility for the affirmative determination rests with the CO.
Who is generally responsible for determining a subcontractor's responsibility?
(a) Generally, prospective prime contractors are responsible for determining the responsibility of their prospective subcontractors (but see 9.405 and 9.405-2 regarding debarred, ineligible, or suspended firms).
Who makes a determination of responsibility or non-responsibility of a prospective prime contractor?
In the absence of information clearly indicating that the prospective contractor is responsible, the contracting officer shall make a determination of nonresponsibility.
What is a contractor's responsibility determination?
Before the contracting officer can award a contract, he/she must ensure the contractor is “responsible.” A responsibility determination signifies that the Government has judged the contractor to have the means and ability to complete the contract in question.
Who is ultimately responsible for contract administration?
Ultimately, the administration of a contract is the responsibility of the contracting officer who is the only person who may modify the contract or take action to enter into or change a contractual commitment on behalf of the U.S. Government.
NEVER Break Down A Bid For A Customer - Here's Why
Which role is accountable for contract management?
In essence, a Contract Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of contracts within an organization – from initial drafting and negotiation through to execution, performance monitoring, and eventual renewal or termination.
Can an administrator terminate a contract?
An administrator does not have a right to disclaim onerous contracts (unlike a liquidator). However, an administrator will balance the benefit to the administration estate in complying with the contract against the costs to the estate in breaching the contract. Any damages will be an unsecured claim.
Who pays for contractor mistakes?
Ultimately, subcontractors are responsible for their own mistakes, holding what's called direct liability. However, a prime contractor may be held vicariously liable for the subcontractor's work if it results in third-party claims, such as when the subcontractor does not have adequate coverage for said claims.
What is the 2 year rule for contractors?
The "2-year contractor rule" isn't a single law but refers to different concepts, primarily the UK's HMRC 24-month rule limiting tax relief on travel/subsistence for contractors at a single temporary workplace, and broader U.S. discussions about independent contractor classification, where long-term relationships (often nearing two years) signal employee status under Department of Labor (DOL) rules. In the UK, exceeding 24 months at one site (or 40% of time there) makes it a permanent workplace, ending expense claims. In the U.S., ongoing 2-year engagements raise red flags for misclassification, pushing the DOL to use various tests (like the current "economic reality" test) to determine if a worker is truly independent or an employee.
How to hold a contractor accountable?
To hold a contractor accountable, start with a clear, detailed contract, set realistic expectations and milestones, maintain open communication and documentation, use payment schedules tied to progress, and enforce consequences like penalties or withholding final payment, escalating to formal complaints (BBB, licensing boards) or legal action if needed.
Is a main contractor liable for a subcontractor?
The contractor remains liable to the customer under the main contract for the non-performance by the subcontractor, even where the customer consents to the vicarious performance.
What determines if a person is an independent contractor?
If the economic realities show that the worker is in business for themself, then the worker is an independent contractor. The economic realities of the entire working relationship are looked at to decide whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor.
Are you required to make an affirmative determination of responsibility before making the award?
What does FAR require? In accordance with FAR 9.103(b), no contract award shall be made unless the Contracting Officer makes an affirmative determination of the prospective contractor's responsibility.
Is an employer responsible for the actions of an independent contractor?
Courts generally find that public policy favors not holding the employer vicariously liable for employees who are his contractor's responsibility. The California Supreme Court has ruled, however, that an employer could be liable for retaining control in a manner that affirmatively contributes to the employee's injury.
Who makes a determination of responsibility or non-responsibility of a perspective prime contractor?
In the absence of information clearly indicating that the prospective contractor is responsible, the contracting officer shall make a determination of nonresponsibility.
Who is accountable for the work of a subcontractor?
\n\nUnder contract law, the main contractor typically bears primary responsibility to the employer for the performance of the works, including those carried out by subcontractors.
How long is a contractor liable for their work?
Statutes and Contracts
For instance, in California, a general contractor is held liable for a minimum standard of construction for 10 years post-building completion, with certain defects claimable only within 1 or 4 years.
Do I have to give 4 weeks notice if it's in my contract?
If you want to leave before the last day of your contract, check if the contract says you can give notice. If it doesn't say anything, you should give at least 1 week's notice.
What are the 5 rules of contract law?
To understand that, you need to know about the 5 essential elements of a valid contract: offer, acceptance, consideration, mutual intent, capacity and legality. Understanding these 5 fundamental elements of a contract can help you protect your interests and avoid potential legal disputes.
What is the biggest complaint about contractors?
The biggest complaints about contractors center on poor communication, shoddy or unfinished work, and financial/contractual issues like overcharging or taking payments and disappearing, with a lack of integrity and professionalism often underlying these problems. Homeowners frequently report feeling left in the dark about project progress, dealing with messes, or facing significant disputes over scope and cost, leading to major stress and financial loss.
What not to say to a general contractor?
To avoid issues with a general contractor, don't say you're in "no rush," "I'm in no hurry," or "I'm not particular about the workers," as this can slow down the project and create liability; instead, be clear about timelines and professionalism, provide detailed project specs, don't reveal your budget upfront, and avoid offering your own subcontractors, focusing on a professional, contract-driven partnership.
How to tell if a contractor is scamming you?
Check the contractor's license number at www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com, www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752). 3. Get at least three bids, three references from each bidder, and review past work in person.
What are 6 things that void a contract?
We'll cover these terms in more detail later.
- Understanding Void Contracts. ...
- Uncertainty or Ambiguity. ...
- Lack of Legal Capacity. ...
- Incomplete Terms. ...
- Misrepresentation or Fraud. ...
- Common Mistake. ...
- Duress or Undue Influence. ...
- Public Policy or Illegal Activity.
What is the Hadley V Baxendale test?
Contract: In contract, the traditional test of remoteness is set out in Hadley v Baxendale ([1854] 9 Ex 341). The test is in essence a test of foreseeability. That is, the loss will only be recoverable if it was in the contemplation of the parties.
What is the 10-10-10 rule in insolvency?
Insolvency practitioners and directors of insolvent companies are no longer able to hold physical meetings of creditors unless requested by 10% of creditors in value , 10% of the total number of creditors or 10 creditors (the “10:10:10” rule).