# COR Essentials Course (Self-Paced)

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/cor-essentials-course-self-paced>

## Overview

This course is intended for two audiences: beginners seeking to qualify for a Level I Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) Certification and those needing a refresher course. Regardless of your situation, this course will familiarize you with the key concepts and processes to enable you to perform the tasks required of a COR. (See below for an explanation of COR training requirements.) Government contracting is extremely broad and complex. In this introductory-level course, we will concentrate on the “big picture,” not the details. In government contracting, as in all specialized bodies of knowledge, there are exceptions to every rule.

For this course, we will focus on the rules, not the exceptions. Thus, you will see “typically,” “usually,” and “in general” used throughout the Participant Guide. This course will familiarize you with the most important laws concerning government contracting. For better comprehension, it explains the laws in context, rather than simply listing them. The Participant Guide is designed to facilitate your critical thinking, understanding, and problem-solving. It poses discussion questions for you to answer. It also contains a Contract Monitoring exercise and a post-test. Those seeking their Level I COR Certification must complete the test to successfully complete this course. Those taking this course as a refresher may opt out of taking the test.

## What you'll learn

- Explain the roles, responsibilities, and authority of a COR in each phase of the acquisition process.
- Analyze the key laws, regulations, standards of conduct, and personal conflicts of interest governing the acquisition process.
- Implement appropriate methods to engage the contractor, monitor contractor performance, and ensure contract compliance.
- Apply contract modifications, key contract remedies, and the steps involved in contract closeout.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Overview of the Federal Acquisition Process

- Define key acquisition concepts, principles, and terms.
- Describe the Federal Acquisition Regulations System.
- Identify the three phases of the acquisition process.
- Name three contracting methods and identify when each should be used.
- Explain the two fundamental contract types.
- Specify the key standards of conduct and Procurement Integrity Act.

#### Module 2: Roles and Responsibilities – Who Does What?

- Describe the contracting lines of authority.
- Explain the meaning of an unauthorized commitment and ratification.
- Define the COR’s role and responsibilities.
- Identify the role of others involved in the acquisition process.

#### Module 3: Postaward Phase – Engagement, Monitoring, and Compliance

- Identify the information that should be included in the COR’s file.
- Participate in a kickoff meeting and postaward orientation conference.
- Select the appropriate method(s) for monitoring a contract.
- Describe what is involved in performing inspection and acceptance.
- Explain how to handle contract payments.

#### Module 4: Postaward Phase – Modifications, Remedies and Closeout

- Explain contract modifications and options.
- Define your role (COR) during a contract dispute.
- Distinguish between terminations for convenience and for default.
- Explain how and when contractor performance is evaluated.
- Describe the contract closeout process.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $900