A good definition of contract management is contained within the "Strategy Plan for Contract Management" for the Allenby Connaught MOD project signed in 2005:
"Contract management is the process that enables both parties to a contract to meet their obligations in order to deliver the objectives required from the contract. It also involves building a good working relationship between customer and provider. It continues through the life of the contract and requires the parties to be proactive to anticipate future needs as well as managing proactively immediate situations that arise".
This quotation makes it clear that whilst the Contract is at the heart of contract management there is more to it than simply being aware of the contractual provisions. This guidance has been written to help readers to acquire a better understanding of their Contract and to help them determine what management actions are required to manage the Contract effectively. Whilst a proactive approach to contract management is recommended Authorities should be mindful of the fact that the facility is under the control of the Contractor for the duration of the Contract and the Contractor is entitled to manage the facility as it feels fit subject to the terms of the Contract.
For waste projects it should be recognised that a principal obligation on the Authority is the delivery of Contract Waste to the Contractor and therefore contract management includes consideration of matters relating to that obligation.