Specifications include, but are not limited to: Attachment A of a Standard State Contract Agreement describes the nature and extent of the Contractor’s obligations. This is the most important part of the agreement. To avoid problems later, you should make the description clear, unambiguous and complete. Specify all performances and products to be delivered. Avoid "legalese"; plain English is sufficient and preferred. The following checklist should be helpful in writing specifications: 1. Does the work statement let the Contractor know what is ahead? Is it specific enough to allow the Contractor to make a list of human resources and, if necessary, special facilities, equipment, subcontracts and/or consultants needed to accomplish the work? 2. Is general and background information separated from directions to the Contractor and required performance? The minimum that the Contractor is expected to do should be clearly described. 3. Have the Contracting agency’s responsibilities to the Contractor been clearly identified? If not, the state could find it more difficult to enforce its rights under the Contract agreement. 4. Will it be possible to measure performance? Are the end results and specific duties of the Contractor stated in such a way that he/she/it knows what is required and the Contractor official who orders payment can tell whether payment is due? Have the type and quantity of reports required of the Contractor (technical, financial, progress, etc.) been described and specified? Is there a date for each task or outcome the Contractor must deliver? These measures and details are crucial so that both programmatic and financial site audits - if required- are performed and that there are specific items/tasks set forth in the Contract agreement to verify and hold accountable for.
