10 Tips for Better Contracting: Relationship Advice for Contract Managers

1. Learn about the program manager’s expectations and goals. Contractor and customer need to figure out milestones that point out progress.

2. Establish goals for the program that deal with cost, schedule, and performance with top management based on the contract’s requirements.

3. Get agreements in writing to be clear on issues.

4. Build a solid team in order to meet all parts of a contract, have a strong financial manager and strong contract specialist.

5. Arrange a schedule for meeting regularly, whether in person or otherwise, whichever fits the circumstance.

6. Meet the points of contact in the program manager’s office. Contractors need to develop more than arm’s length relationships. It’s also important to know the chain of command in the program office.

7. Realize that bad news doesn’t get any better with age,  a program manager—or anyone, for that matter—doesn’t want to be blindsided with problems.

8. Grow tough skin. Contractors need to learn patience, and when people get upset, they should take the high road.

9. Don’t take comments personally.

10. Finally, learn from the mistakes that were made.