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Evolving Government Policies and Regulations 

Today’s procurement environment demands constant observation. Contract managers must stay informed amid an ever-shifting web of regulatory updates, compliance mandates and procurement reform initiatives. From climate disclosures to data security, over have been introduced in just the past three years, affecting everything from new sustainability to small business participation requirements. Staying current isn’t optional—it’s essential.Ìý

Agencies at all levels face growing pressure to demonstrate results. Contracts must comply with regulations and deliver measurable public value. This has led to a rising emphasis on performance-based contracting, cost-efficiency and accountability, making professionals who understand the full contract lifecycle more essential than ever.Ìý

Succeeding in this role now requires more than technical proficiency. Contract managers must also understand how shifting regulatory priorities influence procurement strategy, vendor engagement, and enforcement practices.Ìý

The Shift to Post-Award Contract Strategy 

One of the most significant trends reshaping the profession is the shift from pre-award focus to .Ìý

Traditionally, contracting professionals centered their work around solicitation development, bid management and negotiation. While those skills remain critical, agencies are increasingly focused on what happens after the contract is signed—how well the agreement performs over time.Ìý

According to the , nearly 40% of legal operations leaders now evaluate contracts based on outcomes like savings, compliance and vendor performance—not just process efficiency.Ìý

This post-award shift demands a different mindset and an expanded toolkit. Today’s professionals are expected to: 

• Design and track key performance indicators (KPIs) 
• Monitor contractor deliverables and timelines 
• Enforce remedies and manage modifications 
• Facilitate stakeholder collaboration 
• Proactively mitigate risks and resolve disputes 

Expanding Accountability Across the Contract Lifecycle 

Sustained contract success hinges on embedding accountability at every stage. That means drafting agreements that clearly define performance expectations, establishing measurable deliverables, and maintaining robust documentation from implementation through closeout.Ìý

Contract managers must also approach change orders with strategic foresight. Unmanaged scope changes, vague deliverables or poor contractor communication can quickly jeopardize outcomes. Applying proven post-award governance techniques helps protect taxpayer funds, improve vendor relationships and strengthen program results.Ìý

Just as importantly, post-award performance depends on cross-functional coordination. Procurement and legal teams cannot succeed in isolation. Finance professionals, project managers, compliance staff and program leads all have a role to play. Contract managers who can align these roles and drive collaboration stand out as critical organizational assets.Ìý

Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities 

Role ambiguity is a common barrier to effective post-award management. When teams lack clarity around who monitors deliverables, communicates with vendors or documents amendments, critical tasks can fall through the cracks.Ìý

Establishing clear internal protocols—and providing targeted training on post-award responsibilities—can mitigate these risks. Organizations benefit from documented procedures that assign oversight, define escalation paths and support consistent contract file maintenance.Ìý

Moreover, strong contractor relationships are vital. Open communication, shared expectations, and ongoing performance reviews help reduce friction, encourage accountability and improve the likelihood of success.Ìý

Building a Post-Award Culture 

Tools and policies are only part of the equation. High-performing agencies foster a culture that prioritizes post-award excellence. When contract closeout or compliance is treated as an afterthought, opportunities to improve future procurement efforts are lost.Ìý

Organizations that embrace a culture of continuous improvement invest in ongoing training, promote interdepartmental collaboration and implement systems that support data visibility. By integrating lessons learned and focusing on results, contract management becomes a proactive engine for value creation—not just a reactive compliance function.Ìý

Leveraging Data to Drive Results 

As more agencies implement (CLM) tools and performance dashboards, contract managers are expected to do more than track paperwork—they must harness data.Ìý

From monitoring cycle times and milestone completion to identifying payment delays and contractor performance trends, data-driven decision-making is quickly becoming a core skill. Those who can synthesize insights and tie them to actionable improvements are well-positioned to drive both operational and strategic impact.Ìý

Professional Education for Modern Contract Lifecycle Management 

Education remains a powerful catalyst for career growth for those entering the field—or contract managers seeking to strengthen their skills. The most effective certificate programs mirror the complexities of modern public-sector contracting and focus on building both foundational and advanced capabilities. According to the , certified professionals with NCMA credentials earn up to 20% more than their peers.Ìý

91̽»¨University’s Contract Management Certificate combines legal, operational and performance-based perspectives in a format designed for busy professionals. Courses are taught by industry practitioners, are available fully online, and are tailored to reflect real-world challenges that professionals face in today’s procurement environments.Ìý

Take the Next Step 

Whether you're a procurement officer, legal advisor, project manager or compliance lead, a deeper understanding of the contract lifecycle—especially post-award execution—can elevate your impact.Ìý

³Õ¾±±ô±ô²¹²Ô´Ç±¹²¹â€™s College of Professional Studies offers professional education programs, including flexible, high-impact training to help professionals thrive in today’s evolving contracting landscape. Take the full certificate or enroll in individual courses that meet your goals.