01
Separate the request from the requirement
Identify what was requested, what the contract currently requires, and the exact point that remains unclear.
Made for Federal Contractors
COR Clarification Email
Also useful for: people in Government
15 min
Beginner
Communication
Communicate Better
Miscommunication
Draft a contract-aligned clarification email before an unclear request causes rework, delay, or unauthorized scope.
We'll use them to write your prompt.
Completed ✓
Make Your Play
Give us the situation. We’ll build the prompt.
Document unclear direction before work starts, while keeping the request concise and separating clarification from any potential contract change.
Your answers save as you type.
What you'll do
This is the plan inside your prompt. Add your details first. Then follow these steps with ChatGPT or Claude.
02
Draft the clarification email
Turn the issue map into a short email that explains the impact, offers workable options, and asks for written direction.
03
Check authority and commitments
Remove unsupported statements and make sure the email doesn't treat COR guidance as authorization to change the contract.
Make Your Play
COR Clarification Email
Tell us what the prompt needs to know
Start with the questions below. Each answer personalizes the playbook and builds the prompt you’ll use at the end.
Your situation
Enter the COR's name and preferred title.
Paste the request exactly or describe what the government asked for.
0/10000
Enter the relevant contract section, task order language, deliverable requirement, or other controlling text.
0/10000
Describe exactly what must be clarified before the request can be completed correctly.
0/10000
State the practical effect on scope, schedule, cost, quality, or acceptance if direction isn't received.
0/10000
List practical options and the tradeoff for each.
0/10000
Enter the date and time by which direction is needed.
This playbook was updated. Review your inputs before copying.
What you'll do
Check a step when you finish it.
01
Separate the request from the requirement
Identify what was requested, what the contract currently requires, and the exact point that remains unclear.
02
Draft the clarification email
Turn the issue map into a short email that explains the impact, offers workable options, and asks for written direction.
03
Check authority and commitments
Remove unsupported statements and make sure the email doesn't treat COR guidance as authorization to change the contract.
Fill in the fields above to generate your prompt preview.
Assembled prompt
Beginner instructions
Copy the unclear request exactly when possible. Use the contract section or task order language that applies. Replace every bracketed note before sending, and verify the recipient and deadline.
Advanced instructions
Add dependencies, prior written direction, and measurable impacts when they matter. Route any possible change to scope, cost, schedule, staffing, or contract terms through the Contracting Officer.
Use this when
You received vague, incomplete, or conflicting direction from a COR and need written clarification before proceeding.
You'll need
- Recipient
- Government request
- Contract requirement
- Clarification issue
- Likely impact
- Available options
- Response deadline
You'll get
- A specific subject line
- The unclear issue stated without blame
- The applicable requirement cited accurately
- The likely impact explained without speculation
- Available options and tradeoffs presented
- Written direction requested by a clear deadline
By the end of this playbook
You will have:
- A specific subject line
- The unclear issue stated without blame
- The applicable requirement cited accurately
- The likely impact explained without speculation
- Available options and tradeoffs presented
- Written direction requested by a clear deadline
Examples
Progress 1 of 3