Read the entire contract carefully. Reading the contract from front to back, including all attached exhibits, will help you avoid misunderstandings, confusion, and errors. Contracts should not be difficult to read or understand. If any part of the contract is unclear, rephrase it to state simply and clearly what you intended to state. The clearer and more readable the contract is, the less likely it is that the parties will later disagree about what a particular provision means.
Contracts are merely written promises and, as such, are seemingly simple.
Yet poorly written contracts regularly result in unhappy and dissatisfied customers. Occasionally such contracts can result in huge unexpected costs. Anticipating unexpected events complicates drafting a good contract. If you have any doubts about whether the contract correctly and completely reflects the promises made by the parties or contains all the necessary and appropriate terms and conditions, please get help. An OGC attorney will be happy to assist you in your efforts to improve contracting procedures at your institution.