FAR 43.202—Authority to issue change orders.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 43.202 is a short but important authority rule that answers a basic contract administration question: who may issue a change order. It establishes that the contracting officer is the default official with authority to issue change orders, and it recognizes one exception—when that authority has been delegated to an administrative contracting officer under FAR 42.202(c). In practice, this section is about ensuring that only properly authorized government personnel direct contract changes, which protects the validity of the change order process and helps avoid disputes over whether the government actually ordered the work. It also ties directly to contract administration structure, because agencies may use delegation to shift certain administration functions to an ACO while still preserving clear lines of authority. For contractors, the section is a reminder to verify that any change direction comes from the right government official before treating it as binding. For contracting officers and ACOs, it reinforces the need to stay within delegated authority and document that authority clearly.
Key Rules
CO is the default authority
The contracting officer is the official who issues change orders unless a valid delegation says otherwise. This makes the CO the primary source of binding government direction for contract changes.
ACO delegation is the exception
An administrative contracting officer may issue change orders only when authority has been delegated under FAR 42.202(c). The delegation must exist and cover the action being taken; authority is not assumed.
Authority must be proper and clear
A change order is only as reliable as the authority behind it. If the person issuing the order lacks authority, the contractor may face risk if it proceeds without confirming the direction is valid.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Issue change orders as the default authorized official and ensure any delegation of authority is proper, documented, and consistent with FAR 42.202(c).
Administrative Contracting Officer
Issue change orders only when authority has been delegated to the ACO and only within the scope of that delegation.
Contractor
Verify that change orders come from an authorized government official before relying on them, and seek clarification if the source of direction is uncertain.
Agency
Establish and document delegation arrangements so that contract administration authority is clear and properly assigned.
Practical Implications
Contractors should not assume every government representative can order a change; authority matters, and unauthorized direction can create payment and dispute problems.
Contracting offices should keep delegation records current so there is no confusion over whether the CO or ACO may issue a particular change order.
If a project manager, COR, or other official gives change direction, the contractor should confirm whether that person has actual authority before proceeding.
This section helps prevent unauthorized commitments by drawing a bright line around who can direct contract changes.
In day-to-day administration, the main risk is acting on informal or oral direction from someone without authority and later finding the government will not treat it as a valid change order.
Official Regulatory Text
Change orders shall be issued by the contracting officer except when authority is delegated to an administrative contracting officer (see 42.202 (c)).