Contract Administrators are Risk Managers

One of the challenges for public agency contract managers and administrators is to define their role clearly, especially in relationship with others in the agency responsible for delivery of public works projects. The value that the contracting staff add to the process should be clearly articulated for the rest of the agency.

The contracting function should be viewed as a strategic partner in helping public agencies develop the most effective, efficient, and legal contracting approaches and methods, which will meet the objectives of the project.

Contract administrators also are a critical partner in helping public agencies mitigate against risks in the following areas:

• Bid protests
• Schedule delays
• Cost overruns
• Regulatory non-compliance
• Contract disputes
• Audit findings

By framing the role of the contracting department as a strategic partner and risk manager, better working relationships can be developed with those responsible for the delivery of the projects.