ABSTRACT
Most often it is the consultant’s responsibility to prepare the proposal and to submit it for approval to the client. The proposal may be in the form of an abbreviated letter of agreement or a longer formal document. If the client accepts the conditions of the letter of agreement or proposal as submitted or as amended, and if both parties acknowledge their desire to and the conditions under which they will work together, then a legal agreement has been reached. Proposals are very common for government projects, but they also are used in the private sector. The term contract usually refers to a legally binding document, often prepared with the help of an attorney. A consulting contract typically will cover such matters as what work the consultant will perform, and what the consultant will get paid. Many consultants send clients letters of agreement that serve as both a proposal and, when both parties sign, a contract.
