How can you manage external contractors and suppliers for airport projects?

2 Establish regular communication and feedback

Communication is key to managing external contractors and suppliers for airport projects. You should establish regular communication channels and methods, such as meetings, emails, phone calls, or online platforms, and use them consistently and effectively. You should also provide timely and constructive feedback to the external contractors and suppliers, and encourage them to do the same. Communication and feedback will help to monitor the progress, identify and resolve any problems, and maintain a good working relationship.

3 Align expectations and standards

Another important aspect of managing external contractors and suppliers for airport projects is to align the expectations and standards of the project. You should communicate the project scope, objectives, deliverables, milestones, and quality criteria clearly and explicitly to the external contractors and suppliers, and ensure that they understand and agree to them. You should also verify that they have the necessary skills, qualifications, licenses, and certifications to perform the work, and that they comply with the relevant regulations, policies, and procedures of the airport.

4 Manage changes and risks

Managing changes and risks is inevitable in any project, especially in airport projects that involve multiple stakeholders, dependencies, and uncertainties. You should have a robust change management and risk management process in place, and involve the external contractors and suppliers in it. You should document any changes to the project scope, schedule, or budget, and communicate them to the external contractors and suppliers promptly and clearly. You should also identify, assess, and mitigate any risks that may affect the project, and assign responsibilities and actions to the external contractors and suppliers accordingly.

5 Evaluate performance and outcomes

Finally, you should evaluate the performance and outcomes of the external contractors and suppliers for airport projects, and provide recognition and feedback. You should measure the performance and outcomes against the agreed criteria and indicators, and use objective and reliable data and evidence. You should also acknowledge the achievements and contributions of the external contractors and suppliers, and provide constructive suggestions for improvement. Evaluating performance and outcomes will help to ensure quality, accountability, and learning for future projects.