Launching the Ship Without a Captain

Presented by

Betsy Bratton, CPPB, VCO

Lead Contract SpecialistDepartment of Motor Vehicles

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

• Learn to navigate the process between contract award and contract execution to achieve a successful contract.

• Identify the features of a successful contract.• Discuss common problems and obstacles that

cause a contract to be unsuccessful.• Discuss key post-contract award activities that,

when completed, result in more successful contracts.

What comes to mind when you hear “A Ship Without a Captain?”

• A lack of leadership

• A lack of direction

• Veering off course

A ship - and a contract - need:

• A good captain • contract administrator

• A dedicated crew • contract administration team

• A charted course • comprehensive contract document and • a qualified vendor to perform it

What does a successful contract look like? What is our goal?

A successful contract is a contract that gets completed:

• On time (schedule)

• According to specifications and

• Within budget

Examples of Success:

On Schedule:

• On-time delivery (critical equipment)

• On-time implementation (new program or system)

• On-time repair (minimal downtime of equipment)

Examples of Success:

According to Specifications:

• Right quantity and quality of goods and services

• Functions / performs as planned and promised

• No errors during testing

• No “scope creep”

Examples of Success:

Within Budget:

• Completed without any major changes or mods

• Completed at or under budget

• Cost containment (for cost-type contracts)

• No Contractor claims

How can we complete more of our contracts successfully?

Keys to success:

• Activities that need to occur immediately following award of the contract.

• Effective Contract Management• The Contract Officer’s part• The Contract Administrator’s part• The Contractor’s part

Key Post-Contract Award Activities:• Assignment of Contract Administrator (CA)

• Transfer Leadership Responsibility to CA

• Internal Discussions with Contract Admin Team

• Start-Up / Kickoff Meeting with Contractor

Find a Captain:Assignment of Contract Administrator

• Qualified; can lead others; cares about the outcome• End user or person with vested interest• Should be involved from the beginning of the

procurement process• Written delegation:– Specific tasks and timelines– Can do’s and Can’t do’s

What is a Captain?

The captain of a merchant vessel is a licensed mariner in ultimate command of the vessel. The captain is responsible for its safe and efficient operation, including cargo operations, navigation, crew management and ensuring that the vessel complies with local and international laws, as well as company and flag state policies. All persons on board, including officers and crew, are under the captain's authority and ultimate responsibility.

Commission the Captain:Transfer Leadership Responsibility to the

Contract Administrator (CA)

• Contract Officer’s leadership role is reduced

• CA assumes primary responsibility for the team leadership role

Train The Crew:Internal Discussions with Contract Admin

Team

• Kickoff meeting (more than one meeting may be required)

• Contract Administrator leads these discussions– Review RFP/IFB and all addenda and winning bid /

proposal– Develop Contract Admin Plan (CAP)– Review/develop Risk Monitoring Plan– Discuss Contract Monitoring / Surveillance Plan

Train the Crew (cont’d)Internal Discussions with Contract Admin

Team (cont’d)

• Spend time talking about communications– What is the internal communication structure for your

team? – How will you communicate with the vendor? – What will be your problem resolution model?

• Plan agenda for start-up meeting with Contractor

Chart Your Course:Start-up Meeting with the Contractor

• Purpose: Build Relationships, Establish Partnership• Attendees: Contractor, subcontractor, contract admin

team– Exchange contact information.– Discuss critical dates, watch-list items, admin processes– Discuss procedures and plans (risk management, quality

assurance plan)– Discuss reporting requirements– Conduct walk-through of site

Launch Your Ship:Administer and Manage the Contract

• Once the contract has started, several key activities will begin. – Risk Monitoring and Control– Contract Monitoring and Surveillance– Reporting Methods and Frequency

Launch Your Ship (cont’d)Administer and Manage the Contract (cont’d)

• It is the Contract Administrator’s responsibility to ensure:– Reports are being submitted timely– Verification of performance is occurring– Milestones are being met

• A lack of proper monitoring will have a negative effect on the enforcement of the contract.

Summary:

After you:• Find a Captain• Commission Your Captain• Train Your Crew, and• Chart Your Course

Then you:• Can effectively sail your ship, and • Arrive safety at your destination.

Here’s to Smooth Sailing and Safe Voyages!