What to do after Winning a Government Contract
Successfully securing a government contract is an amazing achievement. So what’s next?
The first order of business:
A team celebration, of course!
Now, it's time to delve into the nitty-gritty details. Here are some steps you may want to consider after winning a government contract:
Take some time to thoroughly review the terms and conditions of the contract to ensure a clear understanding of your obligations, deliverables, and any other specifics. Attention to detail is key. Do you have the proper insurance requirements and does the payment plan align with your current cash flow expectations? These are questions that need to be answered before you can commence work on the contract.
Assemble your dream team. Every successful project needs a team. From project managers to subject matter experts, gather your team and assign specific roles and responsibilities to individuals. Decide who will be responsible for each aspect of the contract and work out a payment and service delivery schedule for each of your subcontractors. Get the agreement in writing every time.
Schedule a kick-off meeting with key stakeholders, including members of your team and representatives from the government agency. Use this meeting to clarify expectations, deliverables, payment schedule, timelines, and communication channels. Be sure to establish a clear communication plan to keep all stakeholders informed about project progress. This is when I like to set a bi-weekly or monthly project meeting to ensure consistent communication is happening.
Developing a detailed project plan outlining milestones, timelines, and key deliverables will be vital in monitoring the performance of the project. Regularly evaluate your progress against this project plan to ensure everything remains on track.
Maintain a positive and open relationship with the government agency. Address any concerns promptly and seek feedback to continuously improve your performance & ensure client satisfaction. Always communicate concerns up front and navigate solutions so as not to damage the relationship and create resentment throughout the project.
Integrate the new project details with your current client portfolio and make adjustments to handle this new opportunity!
Remember, successful completion of the contract can contribute to building a positive reputation and increasing your chances of winning future contracts and repeat clients.