During which phase of contract management does business development occur?

Business development primarily occurs during the pre-award phase of contract management. This phase is focused on identifying opportunities, building relationships, and preparing proposals or bids in response to anticipated contracts. During this time, organizations assess their capabilities and market conditions to position themselves favorably for future contracts.

The pre-award phase involves considerable planning and strategizing, which encompasses market research, stakeholder engagement, and alignment of the service or product offerings with the needs of potential clients. This proactive approach is crucial as it sets the foundation for effective bidding and a successful contract award.

In contrast, the other phases, such as post-award, contract performance, and contract closeout, center on executing and managing the awarded contract, monitoring performance, compliance, and finalizing the administrative aspects. These stages do not directly involve the business development activities that are essential for securing new contracts. Thus, the correct phase where business development takes place is the pre-award phase.