| In many instances, not all issues are resolved at the time of contract signature. These need to be addressed in a timely way during contract start up. These issues can create problems when managing a contract if not properly dealt with at the correct time. In situations where there are issues that have not been fully resolved at contract signature, the contract manager should: • identify and record any agreements or arrangements made by the parties relating to this when the contract was negotiated • identify and record aspects of the contract which have been potentially left for future development, and • identify and record aspects of the contract which will be subject to some other process, for example, subject to conditions of licences or third party planning or approvals. The detailed review of the contract at contract start up may also identify issues that require clarification or elaboration in the contract. It is important to address any such issues promptly. This may require a contract variation or exchange of correspondence. Contract variations are discussed later in this part. | Issues unresolved at the time of contract signature need to be addressed in a timely way during contract start up. |
The following case study is an example of how an entity addressed the start of a new contract.
| Case Study: Contract start up An entity was about to commence operation of a national contract for the provision of services to the public on behalf of the agency. The entity's state offices would play a major role in monitoring service delivery performance by the contractor's branches in each state. A nationally consistent approach to service delivery was an important government objective. To help ensure a consistent, mutual understanding of the service standards laid down by the contract, and the arrangements for monitoring performance, a contract commencement event was held involving key staff from the National and State offices of the entity and the contractor. |
| Contract start up checklist Once a contract is signed, there are often a number of activities that need to be addressed in order for the contract relationship to be properly established to assist in an effective contract start up. Aspects that may need to be addressed include: reviewing and understanding the conditions of the contract, any schedules and protocols developing or reviewing any necessary risk plans establishing timelines for the completion of any tasks or actions required to enable the contractor to commence work under the contract identifying and/or addressing any unresolved issues assessing resource requirements allocating responsibilities for key aspects of managing the contract developing or updating authorisations and delegations organising contractor access to premises and systems arranging contractor induction, including cultural, industrial, security and health and safety issues, and establishing documentation and recordkeeping requirements and protocols. |
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