Advanced Contract & Vendor Management (SLA & KPI)

Introduction

Advanced Contract and Vendor Management is a critical function in large-scale infrastructure and interconnection projects, where operational continuity, service reliability, and contractual compliance are essential. In power grid interconnection environments, effective contract governance and vendor performance management directly impact system availability and operational stability. This comprehensive training course on Advanced Contract and Vendor Management is designed to provide participants with advanced knowledge and practical tools to manage contracts and vendors in technically complex and operationally sensitive environments. The course emphasizes the integration of Service Level Agreements (SLA) and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) as core mechanisms for controlling vendor performance and ensuring contractual effectiveness. By the end of the course, participants will be able to manage vendor relationships proactively, monitor contractual performance, and apply SLA and KPI frameworks to enhance service quality, accountability, and operational efficiency.

Objectives

At the end of this Advanced Contract and Vendor Management course, participants will be able to:

• Understand advanced principles of contract management in technical and operational projects.
• Apply structured vendor management frameworks aligned with organizational objectives.
• Design and implement effective SLA frameworks for service-based contracts.
• Develop measurable and relevant KPI to monitor vendor performance.
• Link SLA and KPI outcomes to contractual penalties, incentives, and corrective actions.
• Manage vendor performance issues, deviations, and contractual disputes effectively.

Training Methodology

• Case studies
• Group discussions
• Practical workshops
• Scenario-based exercises
• Role-play and simulations
• Performance analysis exercises
• Assessments and structured feedback

Course Outline

Unit 1: Advanced Contract Management Frameworks

• Principles of advanced contract management
• Contract lifecycle management in operational environments
• Roles and responsibilities in contract governance
• Risk allocation and control in technical contracts

Unit 2: Vendor Management in Critical Infrastructure Projects

• Vendor classification and segmentation
• Managing strategic and operational vendors
• Vendor selection and qualification considerations
• Managing vendors in continuous operation environments

Unit 3: Service Level Agreements (SLA) Design and Management

• Purpose and structure of SLA in service contracts
• Defining service levels and performance thresholds
• SLA alignment with operational requirements
• Managing SLA compliance and reporting

Unit 4: Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for Vendor Performance

• Designing effective KPI for contracts and services
• Operational vs contractual KPI
• Data collection and performance measurement
• Performance analysis and interpretation

Unit 5: Performance Control, Non-Compliance, and Improvement

• Monitoring vendor performance and deviations
• Managing non-compliance and underperformance
• Corrective and preventive action plans
• Linking performance outcomes to contractual remedies