Georgia County Government - May/June 2008 - (Page 40)

NEGOTIATING continued from page 39 • Always have clear objectives. Make a list of objectives before you meet with the consultant. A well-defined Scope of Work is important here. • Go to the negotiation session as well prepared as possible with knowledge of relevant law, facts, and figures (cost estimates). • Know what you really need from the architectural and/or engineering consultant. And, be prepared to compromise on some areas to get what you really want. • Make a list of key points to be discussed during the negotiation meeting to keep the discussions focused and orderly. Contract Drafting Tips • Know the basics of drafting a contract in order to make the contract clear, specific and focused. • Keep the sentences within the contract short, consistent in use of language, good grammar and word usage and avoid abbreviations that are known to you, but may not be known to the other contracting party. • Make sure all names, titles and addresses are correct. • Outline the contract for clarity and for ease to find contract provisions. • Define important terms. • Number all pages. • Proofread, proofread, proofread. • Make sure all parties sign the contract, including business titles if applicable. Negotiating contracts that are acceptable to all parties provides an atmosphere of team work. They provide the legal means to a successful project delivery. Contracts are tools, which when followed not only make successful projects, but also serve the public trust and instill confidence that in what you are providing is for the public’s benefit. ■ Peter Ashton Lyon, FSMPS has 30 years experience working with facility owners, architects, and engineers. He serves as the Steering Committee chairman for QBSGeorgia (www.QBSGeorgia.org). 40 GEORGIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT http://www.qbsgeorgia.org http://www.hntb.com http://www.QBSGeorgia.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Georgia County Government - May 2008

Georgia County Government - May 2008 Contents President’s Message County Matters ACCG 2008 Annual Meeting: Highlights County Focus: Clayton County Negotiating a Professional Service Firm Contract: Part 3 Counties Get Involved in Efforts to End Sexual Abuse of Children Smart Growth Scorecard Gives Communities a Way to Grade New Developments Wireless Technologies Critical for First Responders Research Corner: The ACCG Policy Process RDCs Assist the USS Georgia Flag Project Extension News: Animals Take Spotlight in Disaster Planning Georgia’s Grand Old Courthouses: Grady County NACo News: Green Initiative Launches Searchable Database Insurance News: ACCG Announces New Inmate Medical Savings Program County Parade Index of Advertisers

Georgia County Government - May 2008

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