In this instance, the final determining guidance is at DFARS PGI 201.602-2(v)(A).

The answer is “yes”, UNLESS:

(1) The contract will be awarded using simplified acquisition procedures;

(2) The requirement is not complex; and

(3)  The contracting officer documents the file, in writing, with the specific reasons why the appointment of a COR is unnecessary.

Both 1 and 2 have to be affirmed, not either or.

However, if in your case the contracting officer has delegated contract administration functions including inspection and acceptance to a contract administration office (CAO, e.g. DCMA).  Then you cannot delegate any functions to a COR that have been delegated to the CAO [see FAR 1.602-2(d)(4)].

If inspection, or inspection and acceptance have not been delegated to a CAO and all the inspector is doing is “sign on WAWF” in PIEE… it begs the question: “Who is doing inspection for the government?”