MPM427/LOG427Syllabus

I. Course:
Course Title: Contract Proposal
Course Number: MPM/LOG 427
Number of Credit Hours Per Quarter: 3
Prerequisite: MPM 405
Date of Last Update: December 30, 2002

II. Course Description:
This course covers proposal preparation from pre-proposal groundwork to the client's final analysis of the finished proposal. This course is based on actual day-to-day operating experiences. Key areas covered include how to develop a proposal preparation manual and how to construct a realistic proposal budget and schedule. Practical guidance is included on the selection and organization of the proposal team, evaluation of the relationship between contracts and proposals, differences between government and private bidding, and technical aspects of designing and publishing the proposal.

III. Aims and Objectives of the Course:

The successful student will be able to:

• Explain the use of contracting in project management
  
• Manage major contracts for projects from initial planning through contract closeout
  
• Explain the bid and proposal process to include preparing RFP requirements, evaluating bids, and contract formation
  
• Explain the use of specialized contracting terms, define proposal strategies, and evaluate proposal strengths and weaknesses.
  
• Address contract management issues as they relate to projects
  
• Discuss contract close out and litigation issues
  

This course utilizes a learning (versus an instructional) approach. Emphasis is on application of course concepts using state-of-the-practice exercises and student's independent research. Students will read the text, and use supplementary materials including case studies, readings, and Internet searches.

V. Measuring Student Progress:

The student will display their achievement of course objectives by a mix of subjective and objective evaluation. Student progress will be measured as follows:

VI. Text and References

Text: Huston, Charles L. 1996. Management of Product Procurement. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-030552-8

References: Case studies and Internet searches.

VII. General Instructions:

Discussion and Participation: You are expected to visit the online platform daily from Monday through Friday. During these visits you are expected to view or download assigned material, submit assignments, and participate in discussion forums as assigned. Be prepared to answer questions and discuss the material assigned for each lesson. The instructor shall analyze your online contributions in determining your discussion and participation grades.

Quizzes: You must submit quizzes on the day scheduled. Failure to do so may result in severe reduction in your grade (at least 10%). Everyone is expected to read and understand the syllabus and plan for the quizzes accordingly. The only exception will be bona fide emergencies. In the event such an emergency exists, you must notify me as soon as possible (preferably prior to the quiz). You must make arrangements to take the quiz prior to the next scheduled class. Quizzes are to taken during the specified time frame. You shall be authorized only one attempt to take the exam. Quizzes must be your own work. Sharing or receiving quiz answers is a violation of university academic integrity policy and will be subject to severe penalty. Penalties may include getting a zero on the quiz, getting an F for the course, and expulsion from the university. Consult the CTU catalog and student handbook for more information.

Attendance, discussion and participation requirements:

Discussion and participation constitutes 20% of your grade. Your attendance and active contribution to class discussions and class studies are required. I am looking for appropriate and timely contributions that add value to the discussion and exercises.

VIII. Outline of Subject Matter

Lesson	Subject Matter	Reading Assignments
1 Mon - Wed	Course introduction The decision to procure Contract pricing	Chapters 1-3
2 Wed -Fri	Organizations, procedures and programs Procurement schedules Procurement budgets	Chapters 4-6
3 Mon -Wed	Quiz 1 - Chapters 1-6 Technical standards Specifications Quality requirements	Chapters7-9
4 Wed -Fri	Schedule requirements Cost requirements Other management requirements	Chapters 10-12
5 Mon - Wed	Quiz 2 - Chapters 7-12 Selection of qualified bidders Commercial requirements Request for Proposal (RFP)	Chapters 13-15
6 Wed -Fri	Owner bid period activities Bid proposals Technical and management evaluations	Chapters 16-18
7 Mon-Wed	Cost and commercial evaluations Contract award and formation	Chapters 19-20
8 Wed-Fri	Quiz 3 - Chapters 13-20 Contract management responsibilities Control of quality performance Control of schedule	Chapters 21-23
9 Mon-Wed	Control of cost performance Material management	Chapters 24-25
10 Wed-Fri	Contract closeout Contract litigation Course evaluations	Chapters 26-27
11 Mon-Tues	Quiz 4 - Chapters 21-27