What are your assumptions about what services for which government can contract?

As government contracts more for certain services, we will ask ourselves whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages for contracting for services as well as whether there are certain services that are so inherently governmental that a government should never contract for such services. 

What about governmentàability to oversee contracts for such services? What does government need to know about the services being provided in order to oversee the contract? We will assess the skills needed by contracting officials to ensure that the government is protected.

This week, we will also look at the value that competition for certain services brings to the government. Observe how this value can translate to real cost savings for the government.

Consider the need for management capacity to ensure it is contracting effectively. The relationship between all individuals who participate in the contracting process for the government is important. There are risks and rewards associated with contracting.  Therefore a clear understanding of what you are contracting for is also important. We will discuss the measurement of success of a contract as well as the impact contracts can have on the production and work environment.   

• Explain roles that might be considered inherently governmental
• Understand the roles involved in contract management
• Review the potential risks and rewards of contracting for services
• Identify the important considerations of evaluating whether a contract would be a good value