Who is primarily responsible for compliance with contractual obligations?

The contractor is primarily responsible for compliance with contractual obligations because it is their duty to perform the work or provide the services as specified in the contract. The contractor must adhere to the terms, conditions, and specifications outlined in the contract and ensure that deliverables meet the required standards.

While other roles, such as the Contracting Officer and the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), have responsibilities related to oversight and management of the contract, the ultimate responsibility for executing the work and fulfilling contractual commitments lies with the contractor. They are the entity who has entered into the agreement and is responsible for delivering the obligations set forth, which includes performing tasks on time, adhering to quality standards, and ensuring that the work is done in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

In some scenarios, the COR and the Contracting Officer may help monitor compliance and address issues that arise, but the accountability for meeting the contractual terms rests with the contractor. The Agency Head typically oversees the broader agency functions but does not manage individual contracts directly. Thus, the correct understanding of contractual obligations emphasizes the contractor's central role in fulfilling these commitments.