# Basic Contract Administration Course (Self-Paced)

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/basic-contract-administration-course-self-paced>

## Overview

You have just signed a contract, but the process does not end there. In fact, it is really just beginning. This course, which complies with the Contract Specialist (CS) Training Blueprint published by the Federal Acquisition Institute, provides guidance needed to ensure that the contract is managed correctly. You identify issues that require action by contracting personnel to ensure that the government receives what it pays for.

## What you'll learn

- Plan the administration of a contract.
- Conduct a post-award orientation.
- Monitor a contractor's performance.
- Resolve problems that may arise.
- Apply remedies under the contract.
- Prepare contract modifications.
- Process a dispute, claim, or termination.
- Authorize payments under a contract.
- Close out a completed contract.

## Curriculum

#### 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

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $1429