How do I handle delays?

A part from the obvious: Try to avoid them.

Start early. The problem in most project is that tasks are not started on time. WP leaders should assure that activities are not delayed in the start.

Pay particular attention to possible delays that may have consequences for outputs and inputs between partners, WPs or tasks. Such delays may have consequences for the whole project progress. If a delay cannot be avoided take measures so that it may be possible to start the next activity on time working in parallel for a period. Use prelim results if possible.

Any other best practices project management strategies should of course be used, follow up closely, adding more resources, move work to another partner, etc.

Any delays having consequences for the general project progress should be communicates as early as possible to the Project Officer. Tell the truth and say how you will work to solve the situation. If you cannot meet the deadline of a reporting period suggest to send in a draft deliverable on time and set a date for when the full deliverable will be finished.

If you have a delay at the end of the project that means that you will not be able to deliver within the project period, you may ask for an extension to the project. This is not popular with the EC as it leads to much extra work and budgetary complications. If you ask for an extension you should have very good arguments and be pretty sure that you can deliver if you get the extension. Credible explanations of delays and request for extensions are external factor you cannot control. 

If you do not get an extension and do not deliver all work as planned, you may experience cuts in your funding. These cuts may be considerable and you may be requested to pay back some of your pre-financing.