What is the difference between procurement and contract management?

• A. Procurement is the process of acquiring goods/services; contract management oversees performance, compliance, and administration of the contract.
• B. Procurement is the step after contract execution.
• C. Procurement focuses on supplier performance monitoring only.
• D. Contract management is unrelated to procurement.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is distinguishing between getting what you need and managing the agreement that governs how it’s delivered. Procurement is the set of activities to source and obtain goods or services: identifying needs, researching the market, selecting suppliers, negotiating terms, and issuing the purchase. Contract management is the ongoing governance of the contract after it’s signed, focusing on ensuring performance, compliance with the terms, and administration like changes, payments, risk management, and renewals.

Think of procurement as the front end of buying—finding the right supplier and securing a purchase at the right price and quality. Contract management picks up after the contract is in place, making sure the supplier delivers as promised, sticks to price and service levels, handles amendments, and resolves issues if they arise. Together, they cover the full purchasing lifecycle from need to fulfillment and beyond.