Posted on Aug 26, 2015
I've been offered Contracting Officer's Technical Representative certification - should I pursue it?
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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.
Posted in these groups: 
Government Contracts
Civilian Career
Government Contracts Civilian Career
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 21
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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.
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PV2 (Join to see)
Excellent points CAPT Kevin B. Thank you so very much. I appreciate your knowledge on this and insight. Is it reasonable to assume and or think that I can also get project management experience from this?
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CAPT Kevin B.
PV2 (Join to see) COTRs see see the result of project management in the execution of work and delivering the specified goods and services. They validate work, assist in clarifying requirements, validate invoices, etc. If you want more project management experience focus, you'll need to move more to the front end of the work. You will be typically in contact with the Project Manager who is the one who specifies the work. Contracting Officers order the work. That's part of the separation of contracting functions under the FAR. Specify, order, validate. COTRs are more on the validate end. COTRs know what the widget is supposed to look, feel, and perform like. Contracting officers are not technical experts, hence rely on the Project/Design Manager and the COTR/Inspector to do the first and third functions. Procurement is a team effort. You'll learn about PM and KO work simply due to being one of the matching gears.
The COTR has a big role in determining if the product can be effectively used by the workers. Too many times there's something that's specified (poorly), created by people who think they know what your want (wrong), and then users get frustrated by crap that the KO gets yelled at to fix. So as part of the team, you all have to be on the same sheet in knowing the requirements are clear and the contractor understands them well.
The COTR has a big role in determining if the product can be effectively used by the workers. Too many times there's something that's specified (poorly), created by people who think they know what your want (wrong), and then users get frustrated by crap that the KO gets yelled at to fix. So as part of the team, you all have to be on the same sheet in knowing the requirements are clear and the contractor understands them well.
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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!!
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!!
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The more technical certifications the better and the more valuable you are all employers in and out of the military.
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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!
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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 (Join to see).
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PV2 (Join to see)
My agency will pay for the training, and I feel it will help me advance in my career, as well as open doors in other agencies should I decide to leave. My concern is the short term it would mean doing this on top of my regular duties. I'm a little concerned of the workload with it. But I am up to the challenge.
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CPT (Join to see)
PV2 (Join to see) - Was the last word in your sentence going to be "notice". (Smiles).
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