Question

A project manager is overseeing a fixed-price contract with a vendor delivering a critical software module. During acceptance testing, the delivered module meets the functional specifications listed in the statement of work (SOW) but fails to meet an implied performance benchmark that the project team assumed but never documented. The vendor insists they have fulfilled the contract. What should the project manager do FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Review the contract and SOW to confirm exactly what was agreed before taking any further action with the vendor

Answer

Issue a formal claim against the vendor for failing to meet the performance benchmark

Answer

Accept the deliverable as-is since it meets the documented functional specifications

Answer

Negotiate a change order requiring the vendor to improve performance at their own cost