The purpose of the Contract Manager Reference Guide is to provide local public agency (LPA) Contract Managers (CMs) the best practices for managing contracts. Their primary difference, however, is in regards to their contract and payment.Unlike general contractors, construction management services contract with the owner for a fixed fee. Contract administration is the work done before a contract is signed into effect and contract management covers everything done after signing. The difference depends on how the business or governmental agency wants to define the job title. In contract management, contracts are managed between companies, vendors, or employees. Contract lifecycle management is key to the success of your business. Contract management companies can complete a wide range of tasks, including hiring, firing, and recruiting. 3. A contract is a document that can be on paper or in the form of a soft copy on your device. Vendor Management vs.