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Post award contract management refers to the activities and processes that take place after a contract has been signed. It focuses on ensuring that both parties deliver on their obligations, manage risks, and realize the expected value of the agreement.
While much attention is often placed on negotiation and contract drafting, the post-award phase is where the contract actually creates (or loses) value.
Many organizations experience that contracts are signed… and then largely forgotten.
This creates several risks:
➤ Missed obligations and deadlines
➤ Lack of follow-up on supplier performance
➤ Poor handling of changes and deviations
➤ Loss of commercial value over time
Effective post award contract management ensures that:
➤ The contract is actively used in daily operations
➤ Responsibilities are clearly assigned
➤ Deviations are identified early
➤ Changes are handled in a controlled way
In short, it turns the contract from a static document into a working management tool.
Post award contract management typically includes:
Ensuring that relevant stakeholders understand the contract, their roles, and key obligations.
Establishing meeting structures, escalation paths, and communication flows between parties.
Monitoring supplier performance against agreed KPIs, SLAs, or deliverables.
Handling contract changes, variations, and amendments without losing control of scope or cost.
Identifying risks early and managing issues before they escalate.
Ensuring that both parties comply with contractual obligations and that documentation is maintained.
Organizations often struggle with:
➤ Unclear ownership of contract follow-up
➤ Lack of structured processes
➤ Limited visibility into contract obligations
➤ Over-reliance on individuals rather than systems
These challenges can lead to inefficiencies and disputes.
To strengthen post award contract management, organizations should:
➤ Define clear roles and responsibilities
➤ Establish simple governance structures
➤ Use tools and templates for consistency
➤ Ensure alignment between contract and operations
➤ Build capabilities through training and practical frameworks
Frameworks such as the National Contract Management Association’s Contract Management Standard (CMS) provide structured guidance for managing contracts across their lifecycle.
Post award contract management is where contracts are delivered in practice.
Without structured follow-up, even well-negotiated contracts can fail to create value. With the right processes and capabilities in place, organizations can significantly improve outcomes, reduce risk, and strengthen collaboration with suppliers.
