In the context of aviation and aerospace, an Associate Contracting Officer (ACO) is a professional responsible for assisting in the procurement and administration of contracts related to aviation and aerospace projects. The specific duties of an ACO may vary depending on the organization, but here are some common responsibilities:

1. Contract Administration: ACOs assist in the administration of contracts, ensuring compliance with contract terms, conditions, and regulatory requirements.
2. Procurement Support: They provide support to Contracting Officers (COs) in the procurement process, including preparation of solicitations, evaluation of proposals, and negotiation of contracts.
3. Contract Review: ACOs review contracts, contract modifications, and other related documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulations.
4. Communication: They serve as a liaison between contractors, government agencies, and other stakeholders, providing guidance and resolving issues related to contracts.
5. Compliance: ACOs ensure that contracts are awarded and administered in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency-specific regulations.
6. Data Management: They may be responsible for maintaining contract records, tracking contract performance, and ensuring that all contract-related data is accurate and up-to-date.

Associate Contracting Officers typically work in government agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), NASA, or the Department of Defense (DoD), as well as in private companies that contract with these agencies. The role of an ACO is crucial in ensuring that contracts are properly managed, and that the procurement process is carried out in a fair, transparent, and efficient manner.

To become an Associate Contracting Officer, one typically needs to have a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as business, law, or engineering, and gain experience in contract administration, procurement, or a related field. Professional certifications, such as the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) or the Certified Contracting Officer (CCO) designation, can also be beneficial for career advancement.