What you need to do
Decide the type of contract to use, this should be based on appropriate standard model (there are OGC models suitable for construction, IT-related and PFI contracts and for the procurement of other goods and services). If a standard model is not used as the basis for the contract, be prepared to justify that decision. See the Risk Allocation Model for guidance on 'deal shapes' and contractual issues relating to IT projects.
Decide on the optimum contract period. This is a balance between the competitive value of short-term contracts and the stability, continuity and potentially lower yearly costs of a longer term contract.
Think early on about the issues of recompetition at the end of the contract period, particularly if a long term contract is likely to provide better value for money
There are a number of options at this stage in terms of whether the work should be delivered by a number of first tier suppliers contracted directly with the contracting authority, by a consortium, or by a single contractor who engages other organisations as subcontractors (e.g. prime-type contracting), or a combination of all of these approaches.
