Overview

  Work towards business-as-usual requirements - A sufficient and effective transition period from procurement to live running is crucial

The critical importance of 'mobilisation' - the time between contract award and business as usual - is sometimes underestimated. This phase includes supporting a smooth transition; time to set up good practice; and identifying potential contractual changes, problems and risks that may have a subsequent impact. The early success of a contract depends on how quickly and efficiently government gets the contract up and running. Not getting it right at this stage will set the tone for the rest of the contract, and could have serious consequences. Government's commercial operating standards recognise the importance of mobilisation as a specific phase to consider, monitor and assess.