A Federal employee to whom a Contracting Officer has delegated authority in writing to act as his or her representative in monitoring specified aspects of contractor performance. These aspects may include ensuring that the contractor’s performance meets the standards set forth in the contract, ensuring the contractor meets the technical requirements under the contract by the delivery date(s) and/or within the period of performance, and ensuring that the contractor performs within the price or estimated cost stated in the contract.

Certification Requirements

• HHS
• NIH certification & re-certification
• FAI

Training Requirements

For initial certification: Level I: Entry/Apprentice

Appropriate for individuals serving on technical evaluation panels or supporting low-risk contract vehicles such as firm fixed price and services/supply contracts and orders that do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Training includes completion of the following:

No Prior COR experience required

• Complete Basic COR Essentials I OR equivalent training – contact FAC-COR@mail.nih.gov for more guidance

AND Complete:

• Federal Appropriations Law
• For additional requirements, contact FAC-COR@mail.nih.gov
• Apply through www.fai.gov

Level II: Mid-level/Journeyman

Appropriate for individuals supporting contract vehicles of moderate to high complexity. Information on thresholds found on OALM’s website: https://oalm.od.nih.gov/FAC-COR-CERT

Training includes completion of the following:

One (1) year of prior COR experience is required. Must complete narrative on application addressing COR competency proficiencies.

Complete:

• Basic COR Essentials II OR equivalent training – contact FAC-COR@mail.nih.gov for more guidance
• Federal Appropriations Law
• 2 hr CPARS training, NIH CPARS SharePoint site, NIH CPARS Tutorial Send questions to CPARS@mail.nih.gov
• For additional requirements, contact the ACP: FAC-COR@mail.nih.gov
• Apply through www.fai.gov

Level III: Senior/Expert

Appropriate for highly complex and mission critical contract vehicles requiring significant acquisition investment.  Information on thresholds found on OALM’s website: https://oalm.od.nih.gov/FAC-COR-CERT

Training includes completion of the following:

Two (2) years of prior COR experience required. Must complete narrative on application addressing COR competency proficiencies.

Complete:

• Basic COR Essentials II OR equivalent training – contact FAC-COR@mail.nih.gov for more guidance
• Federal Appropriations Law
• 2 hr CPARS training, NIH CPARS SharePoint site, NIH CPARS Tutorial Send questions to CPARS@mail.nih.gov
• Project Management (NIHTC Course ID 9414) OR equivalent training
• For additional requirements, contact the ACP: FAC-COR@mail.nih.gov
• Apply through www.fai.gov

** Reminder: CLPs are required every 2 years to maintain FAC-COR certification. ** 

Helpful Links

• Training
  • Defense Acquisition University
  • Federal Acquisition Institute
  • NIH Training Center (NIHTC)
  • Office of Acquisition and Logistics Management (OALM)
  • CPARS  and NIH SharePoint site
  • CPARS Guides and Manuals
  • CPARS Training
  • CPARS Tutorial
• Competency Crosswalk - COR to NIH competencies
• Human Subject Research – Requirements for Education FAQ
• Submit a Question to the Acquisition Career Program, OALM/ACP: FAC-COR@mail.nih.gov