Supplier implementation plans

Purpose:

To ensure a jointly agreed set of activities and timetable between the client and service provider (as part of the procurement process and as part of the contract) for all significant events from the award of contract, up to and including the start of full scale service delivery or operational use of an asset. It is essential that all parties to implementation have a shared understanding of the risks, the main tasks and who is responsible for what.

Fitness for purpose checklist:

• Is the implementation plan complete?
• Have all those involved signed up to the plan?
• Does it fit with the client's risk management framework?
• Are all "major" events covered?
• Does the plan include an adequate testing period?
• Are the planned dates realistic?
• Does the plan correctly reflect all contract negotiations?
• How much does the plan differ from that originally proposed by the service provider?
• Have the risks (and impact) of any slippage to any part of the plan been identified and plans for addressing them developed?
• Are contingency plans and risk allowances in place? 

Suggested content:

• Description of each key activity
• Dependencies between key activities
• Milestones
• Roles and responsibilities for each activity
• Control processes for project implementation and for monitoring and reporting progress
• Main risks and plans for addressing them 

Source information:

• Originally derived from the provider's proposal in answer to the Statement of Requirement / Operational Requirement / Output Based Specification.
• The original implementation plan should be updated and refined through the procurement process by discussions and demonstrations, and by contract negotiations between the provider and the client.
• The aim of this activity would be to embed an implementation plan into the provider's draft contract, such that it was agreed by all parties before the provider was asked to submit their tendered price.

Notes:

Supplier implementation plans must be rigorously tested and validated with all parties to the supply chain for the project; the plans must also be updated as milestones are achieved.

Further information:
Briefings on Procurement and Managing transition