• Was there a signed contract? If not, the scope of your agreement may be subject to state laws that make assumptions that do not line up with what was intended.
  • Is there an "integration" clause in the contract? This is the part of the contract that tells whether it is "open-" or "closed-ended." If closed-ended, preliminary project documents—such as an RFQ or integrator proposal—may no longer be a part of the final deal.
  • What documents are incorporated in the contract? Whether closed or open-ended, to the extent there are additional documents listed as "contract documents" in the central document, these papers must be reviewed in detail to have a true appreciation for the risk involved.
  • What standards are incorporated in the contract? The same goes for published standards, regulations or industry protocols. Even the single use of an abbreviation may import significant meaning—and thus expand the scope of the work.
  • Is there a dragnet clause? These are the indefinite but potentially problematic contract clauses that purport to require greater scope whenever there is alleged ambiguity as to how much work is required.