What is the primary purpose of a change order in contract administration?

• A. To authorize unilateral changes by the contracting officer without mutual agreement.
• B. To modify the contract scope, price, or schedule in a controlled, written manner and with mutual agreement.
• C. To extend the warranty period.
• D. To delegate performance monitoring to the contractor.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that contract modifications are handled through a formal, written agreement that both parties sign. A change order acts as the official tool to adjust what the contract requires in terms of scope, cost, or schedule. It ensures any alteration is agreed upon by all involved, documented precisely, and incorporated into the contract so the project can continue with a clear, updated baseline. This mutual written agreement protects both sides from disputes and provides a traceable record of why and how the agreement changed.

That’s why modifying the scope, price, or schedule in a controlled, written manner with mutual agreement is the best choice. It distinguishes legitimate, negotiated adjustments from unilateral actions, which can undermine fairness and accountability. Extending a warranty or delegating performance monitoring, while related to contract administration, are not the primary purpose of a change order themselves; they would be addressed through other contract terms or separate administrative actions.