Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, a contract can be only as strong and as successful as its administration. In this highly practical course, you’ll address all aspects of effective contract administration — from initial award to final closeout. Special emphasis will be given to successful administration of contracts: problem avoidance, day-to-day operating practices, performance monitoring systems, early detection and correction of nonperformance, payment, contract modifications and working relationships.

You’ll learn proven practices for getting contracts off to a solid start, keeping them on track and handling every problem that arises. To obtain maximum benefit from the course, you should have a basic knowledge of the procurement process. For those pursuing a Master’s Certificate in Government Contracting, this is the final required core course, and it concisely integrates all the concepts and techniques presented in the other four core courses.

DAWIA/FAC-C Equivalency:
CON 112 DAWIA and FAC-C Level 1

1. Contract Administration Planning

a. Steps in contract administration planning
b. Critical clauses and requirements
c. Personnel involved in contract administration planning
d. Delegation of functions
e. The contract administration plan
f. Notices and instructions

2. Postaward Orientation

a. Need for a postaward orientation
b. Types of postaward orientations
c. Planning the orientation
d. Postaward orientation procedures and goals
e. Documenting the orientation meeting

3. Performance Monitoring

a. Steps in performance monitoring
b. Determining monitoring level (risk assessment)
c. Contract types and degrees of risk
d. Measuring contract performance status
e. Inspection
f. Acceptance or rejection of supplies and services
g. Contractual remedies under the FAR

4. Problem Resolution

a. Steps in contract administration problem resolution
b. Identifying performance problems
c. Rules of contract interpretation
d. Secondary rules of contract interpretation
e. Stop-work orders
f. Dealing with delays
g. Claim process
h. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
i. ADR techniques
j. ADR philosophy
k. Benefits of ADR
l. Life cycle of a dispute
m. Authority for ADR
n. FAR requirements
o. When is ADR not appropriate?

5. Contract Modifications/Options

a. Types of contract modifications
b. Implementing supplemental agreements
c. Contract scope and in-scope changes
d. Pricing changes
e. Constructive changes
f. Options
g. Exercising an option
h. Standard contract clauses for options

6. Contract Payments

a. Types of contract payment
b. Advance payments
c. Assignment of claims
d. Assignee protection
e. Progress payments
f. Performance-based payments
g. Commercial financing and Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act
h. Limitation of cost
i. Cost allowability
j. Prompt Payment Act
k. Elements of a proper invoice
l. Contract financing and invoice payments

7. Subcontracting

a. Contractual relationships between the government and contractors
b. Privity of contract
c. Consent to subcontract
d. Contractor purchasing system reviews
e. Contract clauses applicable to subcontracting issues
8. Property Administration
a. Government-furnished property (GFP)
b. Property administration
c. Contractor GFP responsibilities
d. Disposition of government property
9. Contract Termination
a. Types of contract termination
b. Termination for default process
c. Factors to consider
d. Forbearance or waiver
e. Notice of termination
f. Termination for convenience process

10. Contract Closeout

a. Steps in contract closeout
b. Quick closeout procedures
c. Performance evaluations and the contractor past-performance file

"An excellent course which covers a great deal of complex contracting issues that could be overwhelming if not done properly."

David Reed, President & CEO
Sage Systems Technologies, Inc.

"The course touched on a variety of topics that I use daily. It helped me to understand more detail behind why I do a lot of what I do and its importance to the success of our contract."

Amy Knox, Contract Administrator
Lockheed Martin Corporation

"ESI provides great teaching in an excellent environment with great levels of participation from governments and commercial staff- I truly enjoyed the learning experience."

Fernando Barquin, Facilities Management
United Nations

"Time management was exemplary. All of the ESI instructors I have had (5) were world class in knowledge of the subject with real life experience in the subject and kept it interesting."

Katherine Woodcock, Senior Buyer
Avon Protection Systems