Fixed-Price Contracts
The pricing of this group of government contracts will not change. However, there are times when a ceiling price, target price, or even both are used. It’s also worth noting that with fixed-price contracts, the risk is transferred to the contract. This is due to the fact that these government contracts are not based on the amount of time or resources spent. You’re basically working with what they put in front of you.
Time & Materials Contracts
This one is quite straightforward. For these contracts, the government establishes a per-hour labor rate, assesses materials costs, and establishes a price ceiling. If you can provide the services within the budget, this is a fantastic option.
Contracts for emergency services, for example, are frequently quite short-term. The contractor will only deliver labor and not materials in some situations, known as labor-hour contracts.
Cost-Reimbursement Contracts
While fixed-price contracts place greater risk on the contractors, cost-reimbursement arrangements place more risk on the government agency. These government contracts are more likely to be for research and development than for actual goods or services.
Cost-reimbursement contracts are divided into numerous subcategories, including cost/cost-sharing, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus award fee, and cost-plus incentive fee contracts. Some of these have a minimum and maximum payment range, while others are more flexible.
Incentive Contracts
An incentive contract will be based upon either a cost-reimbursement contract or a fixed-price contract with added incentives.
A cost-reimbursement contract or a fixed-price contract with additional incentives will be used to create an incentive contract.
Because the government is well aware of the potential for traffic disruption, they may award an incentive contract to a business that can complete the project speedily.
If the company completes this project ahead of schedule, it may be eligible for a bonus or incentive if the contract is completed on time or early.
Indefinite Delivery & Quantity Contracts
A government agency may not always know exactly what they require. For example, they may not be aware of the exact quantities of material they require or the length of time they require a contractor to offer a service.
These are the most adaptable government contracts. They’re given out when the government isn’t sure how much of an item or service they’ll need or when they’ll need it. They’re also known as Task Order Contracts or Delivery Order Contracts.
