In a sole source environment, who must certify the accuracy of submitted items?

In a sole source environment, the procurement contracting officer is responsible for certifying the accuracy of submitted items. This role is crucial because the procurement contracting officer oversees the procurement process and ensures that the contract terms are adhered to. Given that no competition exists in a sole source situation, the officer must validate that the items submitted are consistent with the expectations established in the contract. This includes verifying that the prices, quantities, and specifications are accurate and compliant with the federal procurement standards.

While other roles, such as the contractor's financial officer or the project's program manager, may be involved in various aspects of contract performance and compliance, they do not have the same level of authority or responsibility for final certification in the procurement process. Auditors, while they provide oversight and ensure adherence to regulations, do not certify submitted items in the same manner as the procurement contracting officer, who directly manages the contractual agreement and is accountable for its execution.