[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 48, Volume 1] [Revised as of October 1, 2003] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 48CFR1.602-2] [Page 17] TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM CHAPTER 1--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION PART 1_FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM--Table of Contents Subpart 1.6_Career Development, Contracting Authority, and Responsibilities Sec. 1.602-2 Responsibilities. Contracting officers are responsible for ensuring performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting, ensuring compliance with the terms of the contract, and safeguarding the interests of the United States in its contractual relationships. In order to perform these responsibilities, contracting officers should be allowed wide latitude to exercise business judgment. Contracting officers shall-- (a) Ensure that the requirements of 1.602-1(b) have been met, and that sufficient funds are available for obligation; (b) Ensure that contractors receive impartial, fair, and equitable treatment; and (c) Request and consider the advice of specialists in audit, law, engineering, transportation, and other fields, as appropriate. [[Page 18]]