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Contracting Officer Technical Representative

Position Description

Duties

  • Represents the Contracting Officer between the national contractors (Shower and Caterer) and the Incident Management Team (IMT).
  • Ensures that the national contactors are in compliance with all aspects of the national contract.
  • Ensures that the IMT are meeting their responsibilities as identified in the national contract.
  • Must be extremely familiar with the National Interagency Mobile Food Service and Shower Facilities Contract.
  • Conducts periodic inspections of food service area and water quality control.
  • Coordinates with Medical Unit regarding any reported illnesses that could be attributed to the Food Unit.
  • Ensures safety and health regulations are known to personnel handling food.
  • Monitors contractor’s performance in reference to the contract requirements.
  • Reports deviations to the Contracting Office.
  • Acts as focal point for correspondence and discussions regarding technical direction of contract.
  • Issues technical direction providing specific details.
  • Provides clarification of technical directions.
  • Monitors contract performance.
  • Reviews contractor invoices.
  • Assures contractor is performing technical requirements of contract in accordance with contract terms, specifications, conditions.
  • Performs final inspection and acceptance of work required under the contract.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • National Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative for Food/Shower Contracts Training.
  • Bi-annual attendance at the national COTR workshop.
  • Familiarity with food handling and sanitation regulations, OSHA and NEC.
  • Designated by national Food/Shower Contracting Officer.
  • Satisfactory position performance as COTR.
  • Agency certified.

NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552