When does actual contract administration begin?

Actual contract administration begins after a contract is awarded because this is the point where the terms of the contract come into effect and the responsibilities of both parties become enforceable. Once the contract is signed and formalized, the contracting officer and the contractor can proceed with implementing and managing the activities outlined in the agreement. This includes monitoring compliance with the contract terms, making necessary modifications, and addressing any performance issues that may arise.

Prior to the contract being awarded, various preparations and evaluations take place, such as drafting the contract, soliciting bids, and conducting a legal review, but these phases do not involve the administration of the actual contract. Similarly, the bid submission stage is part of the procurement process and does not reflect the execution or administration of a contract. Thus, only after the official awarding of the contract does administration come into play, making it a critical milestone in the contractual process.