3-4.3 Postaward Orientation Procedures

The contracting officer acts as the chairperson of the orientation and conducts the proceedings. The contracting officer must emphasize that it is not the purpose of the postaward orientation to change the contract. During the contract award orientation, the contracting officer will:

• Introduce all participants.
• Discuss any unusual or significant contract requirements.
• Identify and emphasize the role of the COR. Additional information on the COR can be found in Section 3-5, Appoint Contracting Officer’s Representatives.
• Identify any items (e.g., security clearances, subcontracting plans) that the supplier must obtain or provide before beginning work.
• Establish a plan for resolving any identified issues that cannot be resolved during the orientation.

At the conclusion of a successful postaward orientation, contract requirements are clarified, misunderstandings have been resolved, and the Postal Service and the supplier are aware of, and prepared to fulfill, contract requirements. Decisions resulting from postaward orientations may result in a need to modify the contract, and this must be done by contract modification. A contract modification is a written alteration in the specifications, delivery point, rate of delivery, contract period, price, quantity, or other provision of an existing contract. Except for certain mail transportation contracts, only contracting officers may sign contract modifications.