WHAT A CONTRACT MANAGER DOES

We've written on this subject in the past to explain why you need a contract manager and listed most of the things a contract manager does.  You are in the most highly regulated industry in the world.  The procurement regulations are more voluminous and complicated than the U.S. Tax Code.  What does that tell you?

Not all contract managers are lawyers.  But in government contracting and subcontracting, your contract manager might well be a lawyer schooled in public contract law.  You need someone who can navigate the rigorous labyrinth of laws and regulations.  Or, be sure to hire a contract manager who has a contract management lawyer at her fingertips.  Yes, a contract management lawyer, not just any lawyer.  Your team needs contract management with legal expertise and talent steeped in government contracts and subcontract experience.  Whether it's getting a contract, keeping it, or making a profit on it, you need complete contract management coverage.

What does a contract manager do?  Here's a list (not all-inclusive):

1. Knows the statutes, regulations and case law thoroughly and in-depth;
2. Knows, writes and speaks the English language clearly and concisely;
3. Reviews solicitation documents for clarity and legal sufficiency;
4. Assures proposals are well written and meet solicitation and regulation requirements;
5. Handles discussions, clarifications and negotiations of proposals;
6. Handles debriefings and protests;
7. Monitors performance and assures compliance with all contract terms and conditions and regulation requirements;
8. Handles all contract interpretation issues and questions about contract requirements and procurement regulations;
9. Investigates, identifies, analyzes and solves all contractual performance issues;
10. Keeps a daily diary of contract performance issues and communications with the contracting officer;
11. Handles all requests for equitable adjustment, claims, cure notices, terminations and disputes;
12. Handles all communications with the contracting officer;
13. Prepares, reviews and signs all contractual documents;
14. Reads all publications relating to acquisition news and keep current on all statutes, regulations and case law; and
15. Handles contract closeout.

A contract manager stays close to the action and monitors all activity from solicitation to proposal to award and performance.  And he maintains a daily relationship with the contracting officer.  That may be the most important job of anyone on the management team.  That relationship between contract manager and contracting officer will dictate how smoothly the contract progresses.  And behind every dispute is a bad relationship between those two.

One last important point.  Make the contracting officer your best friend and talk to her daily about what's going on.  Stay in constant touch with her and keep her advised in writing of all important contract management issues and events.

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