Understanding and Implementing Contractual Obligations (Contract Administration)

The overall aim of this course is to provide participants with the knowledge, concepts, skills and tools necessary to manage and administer contracts post award. Participants in this interactive course will learn all the processes and activities required to implement contractual obligations. The course will also cover contract administration best practices.

Course Objectives

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• Identify the major activities and steps of contract administration.
• Identify administration tools and the roles of the contract administrator.
• Recognize the main contractual provisions and appreciate their effects on the implementation and management of future contracts.
• Understand the importance of knowing contractual terms and conditions.
• Demonstrate the importance of partnership and negotiation in contract administration.
• Explain the different types of claims, damages and liabilities.
• Identify Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and ways to resolve claims.

Course Outline

Contractor Evaluation

• On-Going Assessments
• Evaluating Contractor’s Performance
• Managing Contracts in Progress
• Performance Reporting
• Status and Progress Reporting
• Performance Indicator

Contract Administration Tools

• Key Principles
• Knowing Your Contract
• Contract Provisions Affecting Implementation
• Tools and Techniques for Contract Administration
• Information Needed for Administering a Contract
• Records and Documentations
• Roles and Responsibilities of Contract Administrators
• Competencies for Contract Professionals
• Developing Schedule and Cost Plans
• Developing Milestones Charts

Principles of Contracts

• Objectives and Definitions
• Contract Framework
• Elements of a Contract
• Difficulties Encountered in Contract Administration
• Contract Administration Major Steps
• Competencies of Contract Administrators

Claims and Disputes

• Breach of Contract
• Types of Damages
• Remedies
• Force Majeure
• Changes and Variation Orders
• Claims and Extensions
• Contract Closeout Lessons Learned: How, Who, Where and When
• Disputes
• Alternative Dispute Resolution:
• Negotiation
• Mediation
• Conciliation
• Arbitration
• Contract Termination
• Termination for Default
• Termination for Convenience

Partnership with Contractor

• Strategic Alliance
• Objectives of Partnership
• Elements of Partnership
• Advantages and Disadvantages

Negotiation

• Planning Negotiation
• Trading Concession
• Communication
• Negotiation Preparation
• Negotiation Guidelines

Course Methodology

A variety of methodologies will be used during the course that includes:

• (30%) Based on Case Studies
• (30%) Techniques
• (30%) Role Play
• (10%) Concepts
• Pre-test and Post-test
• Variety of Learning Methods
• Lectures
• Case Studies and Self Questionaires
• Group Work
• Discussion
• Presentation