Once a preferred partner is chosen, the two parties enter into negotiations. The scope of the negotiations is defined and both partners select a negotiating team. Once a draft contract has been prepared and the parties have come to an agreement, a memorandum of understanding is prepared and the formal process of ratifying the contract begins. Negotiations are concluded when Council or the Board and duly authorized representatives of the private partner authorize the contract. Once the contract is negotiated, the local government debriefs the other proponents.