ABSTRACT
This chapter examines contract management and how it is implemented. Contract management helps the buyer achieve all of the benefits and expectations it envisioned when executing the contract. In order for a buyer of a satellite to minimise programme risks, it implements controls on the contractor where such controls are delineated in the contractual documents. For a satellite, the contract management plan starts with the 'Request for Proposal' (RFP) process in that the RFP includes a pro-forma contract and Statement of Work (SOW) as well as all the technical requirements. Included in the pro-forma contract of the satellite RFP must be language that clearly states the buyer's requirement of being able to access all work performed under the contract. There are many factors that go into the making of a successful satellite programme and clearly two of those factors are having a good programme management plan and team, and a contract that clearly defines the obligations of both parties.
