When fast payment procedures are used, who is responsible for determining the debt amount for contractor failures?

In the context of fast payment procedures used in federal contracting, the responsibility of determining the debt amount for contractor failures falls on the Contracting Officer (CO). This is because the CO has the authority and knowledge to assess the impact of the contractor's failure and to implement necessary actions regarding financial penalties or adjustments.

The CO is tasked with ensuring compliance with the terms of the contract and is equipped to evaluate specific performance issues that may lead to debt determinations, such as delays or failures to meet contract specifications. This responsibility is a part of the CO's broader role in managing contracts and ensuring that all parties adhere to their obligations.

While the contractor, financial department, and project manager may play important roles in contract execution and financial management, it is ultimately the CO who has the formal authority and responsibility to make decisions about the financial implications of contractor non-compliance.