Disputes vary greatly, but the value we deliver essentially remains the same - helping you ensure that the required solution is delivered on time and to budget, which in turn ensures that the credibility of project sponsors, project teams and management teams is maintained.
We can provide expert support throughout the entire IT project lifecycle:
1 Define processes
- Support the development of risk management processes and
controls.
- Develop a base of commercial legal knowledge.
- Provide precedents for terms and conditions with guidance
on use.
- Develop and deliver in-house training.
2 Procure
- Support the production of Invitations To Tender (ITTs),
Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and requirement
specifications.
- Advise on legal provisions in ITT, proposals and draft
terms and conditions.
- Support the review of proposals and advise on the effect
of key representations.
- Support risk assessment and the decision to award the
contract.
3 Develop deal
- Outline legal frameworks.
- Set objectives and strategy for the contract
drafting/negotiation stage.
- Advise on letters of intent.
- Update potential commercial legal risks.
4 The contract
Document customer/partner relationships:
- terms and conditions
- deliverables - specifications, SLAs (especially fixed
price)
- delivery process (especially Time & Materials)
- payment mechanisms, pricing frameworks
- governance frameworks.
- Update investment and risk appraisal.
- Provide document precedents.
- Negotiate and draft terms and conditions.
- Negotiate and draft SLAs and specifications.
- Produce bespoke drafts to support new commercial
models.
- Update potential commercial legal risks.
5 Contract governance
Advise on:
- scope
- administration of change control
- payment for additional services
- compliance with notice provisions
- extension of time/liquidated damages.
- Coach teams on:
- acceptance issues
- change control/variations
- contract notices/ extension of time.
- Ongoing risk management/assurance.
6 Renew, exit, review
- Advise on renewal, transition or exit implications.
- Support transition.
- Support the review, suggest process improvements.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
