The management and administration of contracts involves many activities to ensure the fulfillment of a contract. This also covers those activities or events that can alter or disrupt the performance of a contract e.g., default of a contractor, disputes and contract amendments.
During the management of contract, contractual disputes should be dealt with fairly and as promptly as possible. Contract amendments should be made with the same care that went into the original contract.
Maintain good records
Even before a concern arises, suppliers during the management of a contract, should always maintain well-documented files in order to be prepared to provide supporting information or evidence whenever necessary.
Good records will make it easier to review concerns or complaints raised, and help determine how to address them.
Getting paid
The government’s policy as established by Treasury Board is to pay within 30 days, from the time "an invoice is received or the goods or services are accepted, whichever is later". A department is also required to pay interest on any amount that is paid late unless they notify you within 15 days of a problem with the invoice, the goods or services.
Late payment
If you do not receive the money owed after 30 days, whether it is the invoiced amount or the interest, it may be helpful to contact the client. If you have no success, it may also be helpful to contact the contracting officer.
In the event that a payment is late, the interest amount owing is calculated in accordance with the Treasury Board Directive on Payments and the Receiver General Payment on Due Date (PODD) Interest Rate.
Request payment by direct deposit
The Government of Canada is committed to reducing the number of cheques issued and is promoting direct deposit as the fastest and most effective method of receiving payments. Businesses that supply goods and services to the Government of Canada should enrol in direct deposit for accounts payable, as well as for grants and contributions. Read more about direct deposit enrolment.