B. Technical expertise
Section B contains six technical capability areas aligned to the contract management activities carried out by those in government. The technical area(s) relevant to you will be dependent on your role and responsibilities. Further detail on these can be found below:
B1 Supporting colleagues in the commercial function by contributing to re-procurement and new sourcing exercises, as well as using information sources and ensuring contract governance set up. | Inputting into the procurement exercise, the development and implementation of effective planning and, once sourced, mobilising the contract. | Appropriate use of performance management levers with the ability to realise contractual benefits. Those carrying out these activities need to be intuitive to arising risks and able to deal with issues when they arise. |
Understanding and being able to work to the contract change process. This includes understanding the positive and negative impact of contractual changes. | Identifying and managing relationships with a variety of stakeholders. This includes the adherence to specific processes contained within the contract. | Risk planning, ensuring compliance and monitoring risks (including strategic and operational risks). |
The activities contained within Section B are grouped by capability area; while some capability areas may appear to refer to a specific stage in the contract management lifecycle, it is important to note that many of the activities contained within them can take place throughout the life of the contract. More effort will be required in some areas of the lifecycle than others and there will be different expectations at Foundation, Practitioner and Expert.
An indication of how both Sections A and B of the Standards can apply to the contract management lifecycle is shown in the diagram below:
