Except where specified by the Board, the use of standard form contracts is recommended, but is not mandatory.

Standard form templates have been developed in order to:

make it easier for potential suppliers to respond to market requests

establish uniform terms and conditions for the procurement of goods and services

minimise risk for agencies, especially in relation to matters such as giving indemnities and guarantees and setting appropriate insurance requirements.

Where it is necessary to do so, agencies may choose to customise the standard form contract to meet the specific needs of the arrangement or the supplier. However where possible, a customised contract should be consistent with, and reflect the general principles and approach of, the commercial terms of the standard form contract. Legal advice may need to be sought on changes to the standard form contract. Agencies should consult internal agency policy for requirements applying to the review of legal documents.

For the procurement of ICT related goods and services, the use of the Procure IT contract framework is mandatory under Board Direction 2012-05.