Acquisitions Vendors and Contracts Management

Communicating with potential vendors early and often during the acquisition process can help the Government gain better product and service information and improve the quality of market research efforts. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201 encourages exchanges between the Government and interested parties, from the earliest identification of a requirement through receipt of proposals, and they should be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.  Such exchanges may include industry or small business conferences, public hearings, and one-on-one meetings with potential offerors.

Agency officials are urged to engage with vendors, particularly during the pre-solicitation phase and for high dollar, more complex procurements, so long as sensitive or proprietary information is protected on behalf of the Government and vendors alike.

Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to

• Identify contract components and understand the process from start to finish.
• Select the right contract type for your project.
• Decipher contract legalese.
• Choose the offer that will result in the best value for the buyer.
• Agree on objectives, requirements, plans and specifications.
• Negotiate favorable terms and make revisions to the contract.
• Apply the “10 rules of contract interpretation” in project disputes.
• Administer contracts appropriately, and know when and how to terminate before or upon completion.

Who Should Attend

Procurement officers and non-procurement officers such as administrative staff, project leaders, and senior decision makers who have a role in developing and/or managing contracts.