Integrity

The Double Down Strategy of Contract Management Risk

In blackjack, there is a strategy known as doubling down, in which players double their bet to get one more card in addition to their two card hand. Doubling down increases players’ chances of winning, just like risk management increases the chances of success during a contract’s lifecycle. Risk is an inevitable part of any …

Rudder Check – Engage and Educate New Team Members to Stay On Course

You’ve won the contract!  You’ve hired the team, but they can’t start work at the same time due to delays with the suitability process.  You must execute the requirements of the contract with only a portion of your staff, while providing an orientation to the work and some on-the-job training.  You start with a couple …

Organizational Project Management – How OPM Connects Strategy to Results

At a recent conference, I attended a break out session that focused on Organizational Project Management (OPM) and project methodologies, specifically an overall approach to implementing them as a practice standard, and the benefits of doing so.  The presenters spoke about today’s increasingly competitive global environment for Government and industry, and how these organizations are …

Using a Cross-functional Team for Effective Capital Planning Investment Control (CPIC)

It’s a commonly-used process, and yet so few manage to execute it effectively on a consistent basis. Capital Planning Investment Control (CPIC), if performed as intended, provides a strategy for capital planning that enables organizations to demonstrate and maximize value from scarce public resources. With the current funding environment, CPIC is ever-more important as a …

The Effect of Quality Control on Customer Satisfaction – Part II

As customers we expect high quality.  It’s an expectation we should all keep in mind when the tables are turned and we’re providing a product or service.  High quality equals higher customer satisfaction and a greater chance of continued partnership. In Part I of my blog on Effective Quality Control to Support Your Customer, I …

Solutions to Keep Teaming Agreements Valid and Enforceable – Learning from the Cyberlock Decision

A Federal court recently struck a great blow to the validity of Teaming Agreements.  Some Teaming Agreements, arrangements of understanding between Prime and Sub contractors, may now be unenforceable as contracts in Virginia and other states. Teaming Agreements are useful for defining the relationships between Prime and Sub contractors by defining the mutual expectations of …

When Getting Rid of Risk Isn’t Possible: 4 Ways to Work Around It

Integrity Management Consulting and GovLoop are proud to present a 12-part series called “Conscientious Contracting: A Thoughtful Approach to Acquisition and Program Management,” that aims to address common challenges and achieve new efficiencies in government procurement.  Integrity Matters will bring you occasional posts written by GovLoop’s Andrew Krzmarzick, featuring the expertise of Integrity subject matter experts. “Risk …

Why Partnering Matters in a Tight Budget Environment

With the arrival of sequestration and slashed budgets, agencies have been facing many tough decisions on where to cut spending and save money. Acquisition teams have been given the difficult task of doing the same or even more with less. The pressure to maintain current levels of support with less funding may seem to put …

A Simple Philosophy: Growth Solves All Problems

America has faced a tough economic climate the past few years and the fallout is extensive. Think about the number of people who wake up in the morning and want to go to work but can’t find a job. It not only affects their ability to provide basic needs for their families, it lowers their …

Don’t Let Incremental Funding Drag Your Program over the Fiscal Cliff

During this period of fiscal uncertainty, characterized by continuing resolutions and the approaching “Fiscal Cliff,” many may turn to incremental funding as a means to manage scarce and unpredictable resources.  Incremental contract funding is a useful financial tool because it forces the government to closely monitor costs.  However, if not deliberately planned and carefully managed, …