I've been offered Contracting Officer's Technical Representative certification - should I pursue it?

2015-08-26T19:42:55-04:00

My branch chief approached me today and wants me to become COTR (Contracting Officer's Technical Representative) certified. This would be in addition to my regular duties. I'm a web developer for my agency, and they want someone with some technical expertise. I've previously expressed a desire to advance beyond a code monkey which I am now and this is my opportunity. I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons and looking for advice on this. I would appreciate any insight anyone may have. Thank you in advance.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Aug 26 at 2015 7:49 PM

2015-08-26T19:49:13-04:00

Anything that expands your professional horizons is a HUGE plus that can be used at your present agency or elsewhere in the Fed.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Aug 26 at 2015 7:50 PM

2015-08-26T19:50:14-04:00

Yes. You asked. So, go for it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 7:51 PM

2015-08-26T19:51:57-04:00

Is it financially worth it? Will it open doors in your agency AND other areas? Will YOU be happy? will you have the time to do the extra duties and still excel? I know from your interactions on RP, that you have already thought of these questions and the others to make the "right" decision. Good Luck, PV2 Private RallyPoint Member.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Aug 26 at 2015 7:53 PM

2015-08-26T19:53:15-04:00

Lisa, first off, if this is something that you LOVE to do and it means more responsibility and most important, more money, then yes, take it. It could be the start of something really good and rewarding for you. I personally always have stepped up to any challenges that would make my job more rewarding.
By the way, congratulations on being considered for this opportunity.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Aug 26 at 2015 8:00 PM

2015-08-26T20:00:03-04:00

My insight is nothing to brag about. After all, I wear glasses in my old age

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 26 at 2015 8:09 PM

2015-08-26T20:09:23-04:00

Yes.

This is going to "let you behind the curtain" so to speak. This is a skill set that is HUGELY valuable. Run, don't walk, towards this opportunity.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 26 at 2015 9:17 PM

2015-08-26T21:17:58-04:00

PV2 Lisa Wilcox, If you can hack it, grab it! Please the Chief, attain another certification, become more valuable to your organization. You already expressed a wish to advance, Carpe Diem!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 26 at 2015 9:31 PM

2015-08-26T21:31:12-04:00

The more technical certifications the better and the more valuable you are all employers in and out of the military.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 26 at 2015 9:34 PM

2015-08-26T21:34:10-04:00

I see two sides: 1. You will be more valuable 2. You might have to work harder and or longer

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 9:34 PM

2015-08-26T21:34:40-04:00

Go for it.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 26 at 2015 9:47 PM

2015-08-26T21:47:21-04:00

Go for it, girl! Anytime you have the opportunity to get a certification, especially one that can be ported to many jobs you should take it. That being said, make sure its something you have an interest in and will want to utilize and pursue. This sounds like a great opportunity especially if work is paying for it and backing you on an advancement. Good luck!!

BTW there is nothing wrong with being a code monkey. Just throw me a few bananas and a new version of SQL here and there and I'm good :-) Ooh, ooh, ooh!!

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Aug 26 at 2015 11:28 PM

2015-08-26T23:28:44-04:00

It's a lot of responsibility, but also a great addition to any resume.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Aug 27 at 2015 12:13 AM

2015-08-27T00:13:31-04:00

Do it! PV2 Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SSG Toryn Green made Aug 27 at 2015 12:55 AM

2015-08-27T00:55:31-04:00

Take it!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 27 at 2015 1:37 AM

2015-08-27T01:37:22-04:00

If you can stand some heat in the kitchen, consider it. I was a contracting officer for a long time, both military and civilian. COTRs enjoyed or hated the work depending upon their relationships with the KO (Contracting Officer) and the Contractors. Either or both can make it Hell on Earth. That said, it's a position of responsibility that will have you pushing back on seniors who want you to direct the contractor (you aren't authorized to do that) to do something and you become the first roadblock in their mind. Mil types most always get sideways with proper implementation of the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations) because it's a world they don't deep dive into in most cases. So if you're OK with sticking to clear lines of responsibility, can avoid getting improperly "creative", and enjoy being a communications bridge, it can be rewarding. BTW make sure you understand how to document things properly lest you become the scapegoat when things go into the sewer.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Sep 3 at 2015 1:44 PM

2015-09-03T13:44:29-04:00

Of course!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 3 at 2015 3:25 PM

2015-09-03T15:25:20-04:00

You will be successful in any endeavor PV2 Private RallyPoint Member. As always, a little prayer at this stage of the game is always a great idea. Prayers from Tucson. You go girl!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 3 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-09-03T15:33:25-04:00

Do it! Being a COTR will allow you to learn about contracting and develop management skills. The on line DAU courses to become a COTR are good.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 3 at 2015 3:37 PM

2015-09-03T15:37:22-04:00

A COTR, can be a great thing and it can be a major hassle. Be careful what you wish for, if the COR isn't doing there job a lot of stuff can dumped in your lap.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Sep 3 at 2015 7:44 PM

2015-09-03T19:44:01-04:00

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member Yes... It is very rewarding... honestly. I have been a COR/COTR off and on since 1997. My second Masters is in Procurement and Acquisition... with a Grad Cert. in Government Contracting. My thesis was on the critical mission of the COR/COTR in government contracting. While a COR is not a supervisor... you do perform a variety of management roles for the command and the contracting officer. The reason a SME is needed is that they are the "eye/ears" of the KO to ensure the contract deliverables are being meet. I could go on and on... but remember... you are not the contractors "supervisor"... you hold the Contract PM/Lead to the standards of the contract... and raise concerns to the KO and the command.

BTW... Are you at the Pentagon?

Response by Col Jim Sterling made Sep 10 at 2015 5:59 PM

2015-09-10T17:59:50-04:00

It is actually called COR now. Be careful. I picked up that certification and my life has gone to Hell and every new contract that comes along has become my responsibility. Co-workers have seen my pain, and they won't do it. This means I end up with more contracts. Now, I spend about 50% of my work doing COR duties. That said, if your boss 'wants' you to be a COR, you may not have much choice. If I could do it over again, it would be a resounding "No!"

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 11 at 2015 12:38 PM

2015-09-11T12:38:52-04:00

You will be very valuable if you know how to bid on government contracts.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 12 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-09-12T12:56:02-04:00

What are the duties? You probably need to take the Fiscal Law class.

Response by PO2 Chris Krause made Oct 3 at 2016 12:15 PM

2016-10-03T12:15:24-04:00

Without a doubt!! It is an opportunity to receive free training and certifications that you can add to your portfolio, resume, and knowledge bank!!