ABSTRACT
This chapter provides readers with information and guidance on an abridged version of the best-practices Model Services Contract (MSC), which may be used when relatively low contract prices and agency risks do not justify the more expansive MSC. An abridged version of the best-practices Request for Proposals (RFP) for use in conjunction with the abridged MSC is also presented to the readers. The best-practices RFP and MSC were designed to lessen the risks faced by the agency, and because relatively low-dollar-value and/or low-risk contracts require fewer risks avoidance measures by state and local government agencies, abridged RFPs and MSCs are appropriate for low-dollar-value, low-risk contracts. Letter contracts are intended for award in an emergency situation when there is not sufficient time to seek formal proposals, conduct sophisticated proposal evaluations, and obtain written approval of the official who would normally approve such contracts at the required dollar value.
