Stage 1 - Concept to Initial Gate

At this stage the Contract Management Plan should demonstrate that there is realistic and achievable approach to the management of the contract and should enable the reader to understand:

•  who will have ownership and responsibility for the management of the contract;

•  whether the approach is, or is likely to be, sufficiently well resourced;

•  how and to what extent the approach to the management of the contract will enable the delivery of the Key User Requirements;

•  the extent to which the intended approach to the management of the contract will enable the effective management of Risks, Opportunities and Benefits;

•  the Related Contracts that affect/are affected by the contract;

•  whether the plan for the further development of the Contract Management Plan is realistic and achievable.

Stage 2 - Assessment to Market Engagement

At this stage the Contract Management Plan should demonstrate that there is a comprehensively defined method for the management of the contract and should enable the reader to understand:

•  the approach to measuring and monitoring the Contractor's Delivery, Performance and Compliance;

•  the composition and structure of the Contract Management Team and how they would intend to liaise with the Contractor;

•  whether the Contract Management Team will have sufficient resources;

•  how the management of the contract will enable the effective management of Risks, Opportunities and Benefits;

•  how the contract will be managed and co-ordinated with Related Contracts;

•  whether the method of management of the contract is fully reflected in the contract and tendering documentation (subject to bidders proposals);

•  the criteria for the evaluation of bidders' proposals in respect of contract management;

•  whether the plan for the further development of the Contract Management Plan is realistic and achievable.

Stage 3 - Market Engagement to Contract Award

At this stage the Contract Management Plan should demonstrate that:

•  there is a comprehensively defined agreement between the MOD and the Contractor for the management of the contract.

•  the MOD is ready to manage the contract once it is signed.

At this stage the Contract Management Plan should enable the reader to understand:

•  how the Contractor's Delivery, Performance and Compliance will be measured and monitored;

•  whether the management of the contract is fully reflected in the contract documents;

•  whether the MOD and Contractor have defined roles and responsibilities for the management of the contract.

•  how the management of the contract will enable the effective management of Risks, Opportunities and Benefits;

•  how the contract will enable the effective co-ordination of activities along with those of the Related Contracts;

•  the progress achieved in the establishment and training of the Contract Management Team;

•  whether there is a Operational Contract Management Manual, or a plan to produce a Operational Contract Management Manual that is realistic and achievable.