Which government official has the authority to enter into and administer contracts, licenses, or grants and may have a designated representative?

• A. Contracting Officer (CO)
• B. Program Manager
• C. Contract Analyst
• D. Acquisition Specialist

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the authority to enter into and administer contracts, licenses, or grants is vested in the contracting officer. This official has the legal power to bind the government in those agreements and to oversee the contract from negotiation through administration. The contracting officer can designate a representative—often a contracting officer’s representative (COR)—to assist with contract administration under the officer’s supervision, handling day-to-day tasks while preserving the legal authority with the CO.

Other roles don’t carry that binding authority. A program manager oversees program execution and outcomes but does not have the legal power to enter into government contracts. A contract analyst supports contract development and review but cannot formalize a contract on behalf of the government. An acquisition specialist handles procurement activities within policy and processes, yet still relies on the contracting officer for the official authority to bind the government.