Proposals and Contracts

Overview

Effective proposals and well-drafted contracts are essential for successful surveying projects. They establish clear expectations, define the scope of work, and protect both the surveyor and client.

Learning Objectives

• Prepare professional survey proposals
• Identify essential contract elements
• Understand liability considerations
• Manage scope changes effectively

Key Concepts

Essential Proposal Elements

A complete survey proposal should include:

• Scope of Work: Detailed description of services to be provided
• Deliverables: Specific products the client will receive
• Fee Structure: Lump sum, hourly, or unit pricing
• Timeline: Estimated completion schedule
• Assumptions and Exclusions: What is not included
• Terms and Conditions: Payment terms, insurance, liability limits

Contract Types

Common contract structures for surveying services:

• Fixed Fee: Set price for defined scope
• Time and Materials: Hourly rates plus expenses
• Unit Price: Per-acre, per-lot, or per-point pricing
• Retainer: Ongoing relationship with periodic billing

Liability Considerations

Contracts should address:

• Limitation of liability clauses
• Indemnification provisions
• Insurance requirements
• Dispute resolution procedures
• Statute of limitations for claims

Managing Scope Changes

When project requirements change:

• Document all change requests in writing
• Provide cost and schedule impacts
• Obtain written authorization before proceeding
• Maintain a change order log

Key Terms

• Scope of Work: The detailed description of services to be performed
• Deliverable: A tangible product resulting from the survey
• Indemnification: Protection against claims arising from the work

Practice Questions

1. What are the minimum essential elements of a surveying contract?
2. How should a surveyor handle a client request for additional services not in the original scope?