As a contract manager, you may have access to specialist advisers within your entity who can help you with contract management activities. It is better to seek advice from a specialist early to avoid making mistakes.
Commonly used advisers for contract management may include: | |
a. | Procurement specialists can assist you with questions about the procurement process (including contract management). They can provide advice about the processes you need to follow for contract variations, supplier performance management, contract closure or contract renewal. They can also give you advice around any probity issues that may arise. |
b. | Technical and operational advisers can help you to better understand issues around the subject matter of your contract. For example, these advisers may be able to help you determine whether goods or services provided by the supplier have met the required contractual standard. They can also be helpful in generating possible solutions to complaints and disputes, as well as provide advice in situations relating to the supplier's performance. |
c. | Legal advisers can help you deal with legal issues associated with your contract. For example, you should seek legal assistance if a situation looks like escalating into a formal dispute, if you are thinking about terminating your contract or if you need help in understanding the meaning of a clause in your contract. They can also give you advice around any probity issues that may arise. |
These advisers may be internal resources available to you or your entity may have existing arrangements in place with other Commonwealth entities or external providers.
It is important to document the advice even if you decide not to act on that advice.