Post-award contract management is everything you do after you win: reading the contract closely, delivering on schedule, invoicing correctly, handling changes the right way and keeping good records until closeout. Doing it well protects your payment and builds the past performance you need for the next win. Our Government Contracting Academy includes a full module on post-award contract administration.
Start with the contract, not the proposal
Once you sign, the contract is what counts. Read it from start to finish. Note the scope of work, deliverables, due dates, reporting requirements, invoicing instructions, and the clauses that apply to you. Make a simple calendar of every deadline.
The kickoff meeting
Many contracts begin with a kickoff or post-award meeting. Use it to confirm points of contact, how the agency wants to receive deliverables and invoices, and how questions should be handled. Write down what you agree and share a short summary afterward.
Know who can change the contract
In government contracting, only the contracting officer has the authority to change the contract. A program manager or project staff member may ask for extra work, but doing it without a formal modification can mean you are not paid for it. When in doubt, ask for the change in writing through the proper channel.
Deliver, document and invoice
- Track every deliverable and its due date.
- Keep records of work performed, communications and approvals.
- Follow the invoicing instructions exactly. A small error can delay payment.
- Plan your cash flow so you can keep working while invoices are processed.
- If you use subcontractors, manage their work and paperwork too.
Performance reviews and closeout
Agencies may evaluate your performance, and those evaluations can be seen by future buyers. Communicate early about problems and fix issues quickly. At the end, closeout includes final deliverables, a final invoice, and any required releases or reports. Keep your records organized according to the contract's requirements.
Class details
- Government Contracting Academy: 54 hours, 9 modules, and a finished career portfolio. Modules cover how government buys, procurement and ethics, registrations and certifications including SAM.gov, finding opportunities, bid/no-bid, reading solicitations, RFPs and grant notices, proposals and grant narratives, pricing inputs, and post-award contract administration.
- Academy day cohort: Monday to Thursday, 12 to 4 PM, November 23 to December 16, 2026 (no class November 26).
- Academy evening cohort: Tuesday and Thursday, 6 to 9 PM, January 12 to March 11, 2027.
- Academy tuition: $1,497 paid in full, or 3 payments of $499.
- Friday Contracting Workshops: 2 hours every Friday, 12 to 2 PM (no workshop November 27, December 25 or January 1). Topics rotate: finding bids, reading an RFP, bid/no-bid, compliance matrices, proposal and grant narratives, SAM.gov and certifications. $97 per workshop, or a 4-pass for $297.
- Format: every class is offered in person at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401, or live online from anywhere in the U.S.
- Why it fits this topic: post-award contract administration is a full Academy module, and it also prepares you for contract administrator jobs.
- Funding note: Our application to California's Eligible Training Provider List is in progress. Once approved, eligible residents may have tuition paid by the county.
How to enroll
- Apply online. It takes about 2 minutes.
- Pay with the class pay link: Academy, $1,497 in full, Academy, 3 x $499, one Friday Workshop, $97, or Friday Workshop 4-pass, $297. You can also see every option on the tuition page.
- We confirm your seat within 2 business days.
Want to ask questions first? Join our free Info Session and Orientation every Monday, 5:00 to 5:45 PM Pacific, online. Register on the enroll page to get the link. Full program details are on the Contracting Academy page.
FAQ
What is a contract modification?
It is a formal written change to a contract, such as a change to scope, schedule or price. It must come through the contracting officer to be valid.
What should I do if I cannot meet a deadline?
Tell the agency as early as possible, in writing, and explain your plan. Read your contract for the required process. Silence usually makes problems worse.
Do I need the full Academy to learn post-award basics?
The Academy is the most complete option because post-award is one of its 9 modules. Friday Workshops at $97 each are a lighter way to build related skills.
Questions? Call or text (909) 454-7076, or email info@ayangbahfoundation.org.