Time and materials contracts : a management guide for pre & post award

Abstract

This thesis investigates and analyzes the principal features and sources of difficulties associated with the Time and Materials (T & M) contract and how these difficulties might be mitigated. Through personal interviews and a review of available literature, the research suggests ways to structure and manage T & M contracts during the pre-award phase, including incorporation of possible incentives, to motivate both the Government and the contractor to perform T & M contracts as efficiently as possible. Further, the research examined the administration and monitoring of T & M contracts during the post award phase, in order to mitigate the difficulties inherent during this portion of the contract. The research effort serves as a management guide which will benefit both Procuring Contracting Officers (PCO) and Administrative Contracting Officers (ACO) in the successful structuring and administration of T & M contracts.