What is a "contracting officer" according to FAR?

A "contracting officer" according to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is defined primarily as an individual with the authority to enter into, administratively change, and terminate contracts. This role is critical in the acquisition process as contracting officers are responsible for ensuring that contracts are executed in compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and laws. They have the legal power to bind the government in agreements and are tasked with managing the contract lifecycle, which includes negotiation, modification, and termination as necessary.

The other options do not encompass the full scope of the authority and responsibilities that define a contracting officer. For instance, while overseeing project budgets is an important aspect of many contractual undertakings, it does not accurately represent the comprehensive authority and functions of a contracting officer. Similarly, while contract management and procurement processes are related tasks, they do not limit the role of a contracting officer to just those functions. The negotiation of subcontracting agreements is often handled by individual project managers or other staff, rather than being the primary duty of a contracting officer. Hence, option A is the most accurate and comprehensive portrayal of the role as defined in FAR.