Offering a much-needed guide for state and local government agencies similar to the Federal Acquisitions Regulations Guide , this book serves as an authoritative source on contracting for services. In addition to best practices documents, techniques, and tools, the text offers strategies to make use of information technology and the Internet. It discusses the entire contracting cycle, from advanced contract planning, pre-solicitation, and solicitation, to proposal evaluation, negotiation, and award, right through contract administration and closeout. A valuable resource for those on both sides of a contract, it also provides definitions for numerous contracting terms.