Basic Contract Administration Course

Module 1: Overview of Government Contracting

• Defines the key elements and legal foundation of a contract
• Outlines the three phases of acquisition: presolicitation, solicitation and award, postaward
• Identifies the roles and responsibilities of contracting personnel and stakeholders
• Explains contract types, acquisition planning, and the concept of contract scope

Module 2: Planning for Contract Administration

• Explains how to understand the contract, team members, and contractor
• Introduces the Contract Administration Plan (CAP) and how to set one up
• Details contract file setup, required contents, and best practices for organization
• Outlines the use of checklists and milestones for tracking contract activities

Module 3: Post Award Orientation Conference (PAOC)

• Defines the purpose and goals of a PAOC
• Identifies participants, roles, and agenda topics
• Covers planning, conducting, and documenting the PAOC
• Outlines contractor communication protocols and documentation responsibilities

Module 4: Monitoring Contractor Performance

• Explains performance monitoring methods (surveillance, inspections, trend analysis)
• Differentiates between monitoring and inspection duties
• Describes contractor quality control and government surveillance plans (QASP)
• Details how to document and respond to contractor performance issues

Module 5: Modifying the Contract and Exercising Contract Options

• Identifies types of contract modifications (administrative, unilateral, bilateral)
• Explains scope of contract and how to determine if changes are within scope
• Outlines procedures for equitable adjustments and release of claims
• Explains option clauses and how to evaluate and exercise contract options

Module 6: Paying the Contractor

• Reviews types of payments: advance, progress, and delivery payments
• Explains how to process proper invoices and comply with the Prompt Payment Act
• Details contractor financing, assignment of claims, and EFT procedures
• Provides guidance on allowable costs, discounts, and overpayment recovery

Module 7: Financial Management of Cost-Reimbursement Contracts and Price Adjustments

• Explains limitations of cost and contractor notification requirements
• Covers price and fee adjustments, including incentive and award fee mechanisms
• Outlines procedures for invoice review and audit considerations
• Describes how to deobligate funds and handle defective pricing claims

Module 8: Evaluating Contractor Performance

• Outlines requirements for past performance evaluations (interim and final)
• Describes performance factors such as quality, timeliness, cost control, and subcontracting
• Explains CPARS system, rating scales, and contractor responses
• Discusses the importance of documentation and relevance in future source selections

Module 9: Resolving Contractual Issues

• Defines contract remedies: reperformance, rejection, warranty, damages, termination
• Explains the Disputes clause and handling of contract claims
• Outlines termination for convenience and termination for default/cause
• Introduces Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods and FAPIIS reporting

Module 10: Contract Closeout

• Defines closeout process and steps: verifying completion, audits, deobligation
• Explains responsibilities of CORs, contract specialists, and other personnel
• Covers required documents and procedures for physical and administrative closure
• Introduces electronic recordkeeping and continuity of services clauses