NAO audit framework

Commercial capability

2. Does the department have the capability needed to manage the contract and is it developing capability for the future?

2.1  Does the department have the necessary capability, skills and systems?

2.2  Does the department understand its future needs and is it working towards meeting them?

2.3  Has the department deployed its capability in a balanced way across the lifecycle and is commercial capability effectively integrated with the business?

Examples of relevant guidance

NAO good practice contract management framework

1.4  Overall ownership of contract management across the organisation is clear, with a 'contract management senior responsible owner' with responsibility for driving organisation-wide contract management performance.

2.3  Contract manager has appropriate skills with access to relevant training and development. Experienced contract managers are used on key contracts.

2.4  Contract managers have accurate job descriptions, roles and positioned at an appropriate level.

2.5  Contract managers have clear objectives and reporting lines.

Government Commercial Function - Government Commercial Operating Standards Iteration ii

1.4  The level of commercial interim staffing in departments is optimised.

3.1  Ensuring strong and effective commercial engagement.

7.3  Commercial contract management competency.