What document must be signed by the contracting officer before executing the base period of a time-and-materials contract?

The correct answer is that a determination and findings document must be signed by the contracting officer before executing the base period of a time-and-materials contract. This document serves as an essential administrative requirement that ensures accountability and compliance with federal regulations.

In the context of a time-and-materials contract, the contracting officer must justify the use of this contract type because it is typically more flexible but also carries more risk compared to fixed-price contracts. The determination and findings document captures the reasons for using a time-and-materials contract, including the necessity and the expected benefits. This formal approval process safeguards that all statutory and regulatory requirements are fulfilled, which protects both the government and the contractor involved in the transaction.

Other options, while they may play important roles in project management or oversight, do not fulfill the specific conditions required for initiating the contract. A project timeline approval document is more focused on scheduling than on the legal or contract execution aspects. A contractor performance review assesses past contractor work but does not impact current contract execution decisions. A risk assessment report analyzes potential risks but does not provide the necessary authorization for moving forward with the contract. Thus, the determination and findings document specifically aligns with the contracting officer's responsibilities and the requirements for executing the base period of a time-and-material