Contract Management for Non-Contract Professionals

Course Methodology

This course relies on individual and group exercises aimed at helping participants learn all key contract management activities. The course also features several case studies, presentations, and role-plays by participants, followed by plenary discussions. In addition, this course incorporates pre-and post-testing.

Course Objectives

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

• Outline the essential elements and phases of contracting
• Explain the critical legal concepts in contracting that can have a significant impact on the contractual relationship between involved parties
• Describe different types of contracts and relationships between parties
• List the documents needed to prepare a Request For Proposal (RFP) and the main steps required to prepare a contract
• List the activities needed to administer the contract post-award, including handling variations and claims

Target Audience

All non-contract/legal specialists involved in any step of the contracting process, including technical and non-technical professionals who would like to learn about contract elements, concepts, types, and processes.

Target Competencies

• Contract management
• Identifying the scope of work
• Applying contractual obligations
• Applying types of contracts
• Recognizing terms and conditions
• Contract preparation

Overview of Contracts

• Elements of a “contract”
• Legal concepts used in contracts
• Scope of Work (SOW)
• Terms and conditions
• Phases of contracting

Important Concepts in Contract Management

• Governing law
• Confidentiality
• Privity of contract
• Subcontracting
• Indemnities
• Force majeure
• Payment terms
• Termination
• Liquidated damages
• Representations and warranties
• Covenants

Types of Contractual Agreements

• Fixed price (lump sum) contracts
• Cost reimbursable (cost plus) contracts
• Time and material contracts
• Bill of quantities
• Letter of intent
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

Preparing the Contract

• Setting up a contracting strategy
• Preparing RFPs
• Evaluating proposals
• Awarding a contract

Administration, Variations, and Claims

• Implementation of the contract
• Change management
• Managing variations
• Claims and disputes