Overview

  Allow time to consider potential end of contract - Not thinking early enough about the future beyond a contract increases risks

In not making decisions about reprocuring contracts early enough, government limits its options, leading to the status quo often being adopted. At this point the contract lifecycle comes full circle - decisions on whether or not to end a contract need to consider the overarching commercial strategy and wider market considerations. It takes time to consider these implications. Not allowing enough time weakens government's negotiating position and stifles opportunities for innovation or securing value for money. Government needs to make early thinking part of a routine process.