ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the timing, security, and additional issues involved in the execution of contracts by contractors. The contract review conducted prior to execution of the contract evaluated the reasonableness of the action taken by agency personnel preparing the contract documents, time constraints normally do not permit verification of the information supporting contractor selection, price reasonableness, and other functions performed to complete the contract documents. Contract audits by financial or legal professionals likely ensure that the financial or legal aspects of the contract are proper; however, financial professionals and legal counsel normally conduct a 100 percent review of contracts prior to contract execution. An alternative approach to traditional contract reviews that deserves consideration by state and local government agencies is for the contracting and finance staff as well as legal counsel to review Requests for Bids (RFPs) with model services contracts prior to release of RFPs to prospective contractors.
