Article: Procurement contracts management Article Body Once a contract has been awarded through a tender procedure, a contract management programme is set up to monitor the progress, success and impact of the appointed company. The programme is aimed at solving potential problems on both sides and maintaining good links between the council and businesses. The supplier must ensure that the quality and performance stated in the tender documents are maintained (or improved) throughout the contract period. The officer responsible for the administration of the contract will be notified by users of any instances when the suppliers performance does not meet the required levels. These will be recorded for future contract reviews except where the incident is serious enough to require immediate action. Examples of these are: Failure to deliver in accordance with the specification of the tender documents. Poor administration of the contract. Inability to invoice at the contract rates. Inability to supply monitoring information when requested. Such reviews could take the form of a formal closedown meeting at the end of the project attended by all those involved in it. The outcome of this review will be uploaded on to the performance module of the Supplier Contract Management System and may be used in future with regard to references. How you the supplier can aid the process Be organised - Bring any arising issues to discussion, as they become an issue. Be proactive - Prepare/propose issues to be raised at the meetings, arrange convenient times/dates. Communicate - Good communication channels alleviate most problems if highlighted at the time the problem occurs. Payment - The council currently pays invoices and certificates in accordance with the contract concerned by cheque or BACS. The council has installed financial and procurement software called SAP that will enable it to procure and pay electronically and it is envisaged all dealings will be made electronically where suppliers are able to trade in this way. Suppliers and contractors should follow the advice contained in Invoicing Barnsley Council regarding obtaining order numbers and submitting invoices to be paid on time.