It refers to the policies and practices needed for cost-effective and ethical use of contractors to supply required goods and services.

It includes:

• Deciding when it makes sense, or is legally required, to use a contractor
• Contracting for preventive maintenance (e.g. elevators, fire equipment)
• Contracting for routine and corrective maintenance (e.g. landscaping and pest control)
• Tendering for medium and large contracts (e.g. capital work)
• Purchasing and controlling supplies and parts
• Hiring consultants or trainers
• Using written contracts with clear specifications and standards
• Inspecting to ensure the specified work has been provided
• Managing the business relationship with contractors.

Best practices in this category help you:

• Prolong the useful life of buildings and mechanical systems
• Avoid unexpected breakdowns
• Carry out needed repairs and services efficiently
• Deal effectively with emergencies
• Sustain a high housekeeping and grounds standard
• Conserve energy
• Reduce unnecessary costs
• Minimize risk and injury to tenants, employees, volunteers, and the general public
• Comply with legal requirements
• Ensure contractors provide quality service at a reasonable cost.

You can...

• Test your society's best practices in Maintenance Management
• Check out the Best Practices and Resources for Contract Administration.