5 Contract Management Tips for Government Contracts

For many businesses, landing a government contract can become a much welcomed source of steady income. Of course, proper and timely performance will be of the utmost importance, as government agencies and entities will not tolerate any lapses or delays. Obviously, all contracts should be handled in a professional manner, but the consequences of breaching a government contract can be even more dire than is the case with other types of contracts. Thus, here are five best practices for managing government contracts.

Understand Your Abilities and Limitations

Before entering into a contract with the local, state, or federal government, a company must first ensure that it truly has the capability to meet the outlined requirements. Depending on the scope and complexity of the agency's demands, some companies simply may not have the resources or personnel to perform adequately and punctually. In light of the importance of maintaining a good relationship with government entities, it would be unwise to take on more than the company can really handle.

Learn and Abide by the Many Rules

One of the trickiest aspects of engaging in government contracting is that there are often quite a few stringent rules and regulations governing the arrangement. These rules usually entail fairly strict compliance mandates, which cannot be taken lightly. Thus, in addition to examining your company's own strengths and potential shortcomings, it is critical to ensure a full understanding of the legal constraints that will be at play. In many cases, it is a good idea to run some of the more nuanced aspects by legal counsel to ensure there is sufficient understanding and preparation.

Never Miss a Deadline

As mentioned, government agencies will not tolerate delays or disruptions to the contracting process. There could clearly be financial ramifications in the event of a breach, such as fines or penalties. But, there is also a good chance that the contract will be rescinded at the time of the mishap or perhaps not renewed for another cycle. And, if either scenario happens, it is quite likely that a company will have a hard time winning another government contract down the line.

Maintain Good Working Relationships

Good contract management ultimately comes down to cultivating relationships. Many government agencies must contend with tight budgets and limited resources, which can make achieving their objectives rather difficult. A company that is able to deliver high-quality goods and services and has the capacity to do so in a way that reduces the burden on the government agency will be highly valued.

Use the Right Technology

Given the complexity of many government contracts and the need to stay on top of deadlines and minor details, having the right contract management system in place will prove vital. These days, virtually every step of the contract lifecycle can be automated with the right CLM software. As a result, by using the right software, there will be no excuse for missed deadlines, late payments, or lapses in communication.