Can the COR release information without consulting the Contracting Officer?

The statement that the COR always requires consultation with the Contracting Officer before releasing information is grounded in the principles of contract management and oversight. The Contracting Officer holds the ultimate authority and responsibility for contractual agreements and obligations. This includes safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring that any communication that might affect the contract is consistent with the terms agreed upon.

Consulting with the Contracting Officer helps to maintain control over information dissemination, particularly regarding proprietary or confidential information. It ensures that any information shared does not inadvertently breach the terms of the contract or legal obligations. Such practices uphold the integrity of the contracting process and protect the interests of the government and the contractor, minimizing the risk of misunderstandings or potential legal issues.

While there may be situations where a COR might have some latitude in releasing information, those instances typically involve established and clear guidelines or emergency protocols that must still align with the authorized communication processes in place, which is why always consulting the Contracting Officer is the safest course of action in standard situations.