A contract is complete when the government inspects the work, finds it conforms and accepts it. The inspection clauses, Section E and the finality of acceptance carry real consequences.
Every report, plan and data file a contract requires is a tracked obligation. A complete deliverables schedule and honest, consistent status reports build the reputation that performance evaluations reflect.
The first meeting after award turns a signed contract into shared understanding. A good agenda, honest early disclosure and a written summary prevent months of confusion.
Only the contracting officer can change a contract, the COR monitors it and the program office owns the need. Knowing each role keeps you from acting on direction nobody had authority to give.