Field Ordering Officer and Paying Agent Handbook

Handbook 09-16
July 2009

Training

Chapter 4

It is a best practice for each field ordering officer (FOO) and paying agent to attend both the FOO and paying agent training to learn the roles and responsibilities of each person on the team. This practice will minimize confusion between the two individuals. Normally, each training session will last about one hour. Check with your supporting contracting office and disbursing unit to schedule the training. 

Upon completion of training, the contracting officer appoints the FOO. Upon appointment, the FOO will add to his files the FOO appointment order signed by the contracting officer and, if applicable, the written special instructions provided by the contracting officer. 

After the contracting officer authorizes the FOO to make purchases, the contracting officer will issue the purchase order book (Standard Form [SF] 44, Purchase Order–Invoice–Voucher) to the FOO. The contracting officer will usually issue the SF 44 electronically as a Microsoft Word document. 

Refresher training will occur every six months or whenever the contracting officer deems necessary. Refresher training may occur in person or by other sufficient means if the FOO and the chief of the contracting office are not in the same location. 

Reminder: A FOO may not hold the additional duty of a paying agent, property book officer, or property accountable officer. Likewise, a paying agent may not hold the additional duty of a FOO, property book officer, or property accountable officer. 

Commanders must understand they cannot delegate the duties of FOOs or paying agents. The individual nominated to the position must perform the duties of the position until he properly clears the contracting office (FOO) or disbursing unit (paying agent) or is terminated for whatever reason. It is a good idea to have an alternate trained FOO and paying agent as a standby if the primary person is unable perform his assigned duties.