Which document designates the ACO for each contract?

• A. Designation letter
• B. Task Order
• C. Purchase Request
• D. Modification

Answer: (A)

The designation letter is the formal instrument that assigns contract administration authority to a specific Administrative Contracting Officer for a contract. Issued by the Contracting Officer, it identifies who will oversee the contract, what authority they have (within the contract’s scope), and how to contact them. This letter ensures there is a clear, official line of authority for administering the contract—handling inspections, approvals, modifications within approved limits, payments, and closeout—so actions are properly authorized and traceable. A task order simply defines the work to be performed under a broader contract, not who administers the contract. A purchase request is an internal initiation document for procurement, not designation of contract administration authority. A modification changes terms or prices of the contract but does not establish who administers the contract for the entire term.