Progress Meetings

Communication is a key element in project oversight, and meeting regularly with the consultant and other project partners keeps the communication channels open. Meetings should be held at:

• Task order kick-off
• While the project is underway
• At the end of the project or close of the contract.

The number of progress meetings needed usually is proportionate to the complexity of the project. Likewise, projects involving a greater number of people probably will require more meetings.

On-site visits help the contract manager to check on the consultant’s activities:

• Drop in on the consultant at intermittent intervals
• Discuss the project with the consultant's staff
• Clarify any issues
• Communicate requirements

Progress meetings (generally more formal) are intended to keep a finger on the pulse of the project:

• Schedule at regularly intervals (weekly, monthly, at specific milestones)
• Determine if project is on track
• Identify possible hurdles
• Monitor consultant progress