Contract Support Systems

Contract support systems are the processes, practices and systems that are used to make sure that the contract is administered efficiently and minimizes risk.

These systems generally cover the four basic considerations in contract administration:

• Delivery must be made at the time and place specified, or work completed in accordance with the standards set out in the contract
• Payment must be made correctly and in accordance with the contract
• Potential for delay, non-performance or inferior service must be detected
• Corrective action must be initiated as required.

Tools

There are a number of tools that can be used to develop the systems to cover the four key areas, as well as other areas. Typical tools used to facilitate contracts are:

• Development of policies and procedures
• Databases of contractor performance/information
• Templates for consistency of documentation.