Discover your key to contract management

Project managers, contract managers and other professionals involved in the world of contracts must be able to work effectively together and with customers, contractors and subcontractors to accomplish key organizational objectives. Because contracts are developed in an increasingly complex environment, including the rising use of contracted supplies and services throughout government and industry, a solid understanding of the contracting process is critical and can give you an advantage whether you are on the buyer’s or seller’s side.
Get an overview of all phases of contracting, from requirements development to closeout. See how incentive can be used to improve contract results.

This course explores these vital issues from the project manager’s perspective, highlighting your roles and responsibilities to give you greater influence over how work is performed. You’ll also discuss actions that can be taken to help ensure that contractors or subcontractors perform as required under the contract.

Lectures are combined with case studies, exercises an negotiation role-playing to maximize the learning experience. Plus, you’ll receive a comprehensive course materials package. 

Course Topics

1. Understanding the Contract Management Process 
   1. Contract management definition
   2. Description and uses of contarcts
   3. Buyer and seller perspectives
   4. Contract management and the PMBOK ® Guide
2. Teamwork - Roles and Responsibilities
   1. Concept of agency
   2. Types of authority
   3. Privity of contract 
   4. Contractor personnel
3. Concepts and Principles of Contact Law 
   1. Mandatory elements of a legally enforceable contract
   2. Terms and conditions
   3. Remedies
   4. Interpreting contract provisions 
4. Contracting Methods
   1. Contracting methods – competitive and noncompetitive
   2. Purchase cards, imprest funds or petty cash 
   3. Sealed bidding, two-step sealed bidding, competitive negotiation and competitive proposals
   4. Reverse auctions
   5. Purchase agreements vs. contracts 
   6. Single-source negotiation vs. sole-source negotiation 
5. Developing Contract Pricing Agreements
   1. Uncertainty and risk in contract pricing
   2. Categories and types of contracts 
      • Incentive
      • Fixed-price 
      • Time and materials
      • Cost-reimbursement 
   3. Selecting contract types
6. Preaward Phase 
   1. Procurement planning Solicitation
   2. Bid/no-bid decision making
   3. Proposal preparation
   4. Understanding PMBOK® Guide
7. Award Phase
   1. Source selection process
   2. Selection criteria: management, technical and price criteria
   3. Evaluation standards
   4. Evaluation procedures
   5. Negotiation objectives
   6. Negotiating a contract:
      • Tactics and countertactics (buyers vs. sellers)
      • Document agreement or walk away
8. Contract Administration
   1. Key contract administration policies
   2. Continued communication
   3. Tasks for buyers and sellers
   4. Contract analysis
   5. Performance and progress
   6. Records, files and documentation
   7. Managing change
   8. Resolving claims and disputes
   9. Termination