What Is a Cost Type Contract

A cost type contract is a type of procurement contract that is commonly used in the construction and engineering industries. Under this type of contract, the buyer agrees to reimburse the contractor for all costs incurred in the completion of a project, plus an additional fee or profit margin.

There are several different types of cost type contracts, including cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee, and cost-plus-award-fee. In a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, the contractor is reimbursed for all costs incurred during the project, plus a fixed fee that is agreed upon in advance. This fee is typically calculated as a percentage of the total project cost.

In a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract, the contractor is reimbursed for all costs incurred during the project, plus an incentive fee that is based on the achievement of certain performance metrics, such as completing the project ahead of schedule or under budget.

In a cost-plus-award-fee contract, the contractor is reimbursed for all costs incurred during the project, plus an award fee that is based on the achievement of certain performance metrics, such as meeting quality standards or delivering the project on time.

While cost type contracts can provide flexibility for the contractor in the event of unexpected expenses or changes to the project scope, they can also be risky for the buyer, as they may lead to higher project costs. As a result, cost type contracts are often used for complex projects where the exact scope and timeline may be difficult to determine in advance.

In order to mitigate the risks associated with cost type contracts, it is important for both the buyer and the contractor to have a clear understanding of the project scope, timeline, and cost estimates. This can be accomplished through careful planning, communication, and ongoing monitoring of project progress and expenses.

Ultimately, cost type contracts can be an effective procurement strategy for certain types of projects, but they should be approached with caution and careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits. By working closely with contractors and monitoring project progress closely, buyers can help ensure that cost type contracts result in successful project outcomes.