Contract management guidance
Successful contract management should be planned for, from the start of the procurement process. It will involve a variety of activities, some administrative (e.g. paying invoices, inspection of goods on receipt) and some developmental (e.g. supplier relationship management, and market management).
Contract management becomes more important as the contract risk, value and duration increase. Good contract management will involve the department and the contractor building an effective working relationship, with the aim of continuous improvement throughout the life of the contract.
Construction & Procurement Delivery (CPD) has published a helpful guidance note (PGN 01/12) aimed at public sector staff involved in managing contracts.
The guidance explains:
- the standards expected of those involved in contract management;
- how to prepare for good contract management, manage the delivery and the relationship with the supplier;
- how contracts can be modified over time to respond to changing needs;
- how to evaluate the risk associated with the contract; and
- how to deal with poor contractor performance.
Register of Supplier's Poor Performance
The guidance note provides a helpful protocol for contract managers, for dealing with poor contractor performance - setting out the steps that contract managers should take, and the role of the relevant Centre for Procurement Expertise (CoPE).
It may be helpful to view a list of government suppliers who have been issued with Notices of Written Warning, Notices of Unsatisfactory Performance, or had a contract terminated - this is known as the 'Register of Supplier's Poor Performance'.