30.  Functional Specialist

Comment: Reference to a functional specialist under estimating systems should be deleted.

Response: The contracting officer is the only person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. However, when specialized expertise is required, the interim rule requires contracting officers to consult with auditors and other individuals with specialized experience, as necessary, to ensure a full understanding of issues. Certain issues relating to forecasted costs may require the expertise of engineers, price analysts, and others to understand or evaluate the contractor's estimating system.