What is a key characteristic of time-and-materials contracts in relation to subcontracting?

A key characteristic of time-and-materials contracts is that they require consent if the contractor lacks an approved purchasing system. This is significant because time-and-materials contracts are designed to reimburse the contractor for the actual costs incurred in providing materials and labor, along with an agreed-upon profit margin.

When a contractor operates under a time-and-materials contract and does not have an approved purchasing system, it indicates that there may be less control or oversight over the procurement processes for subcontractors. As a result, requiring consent for subcontracting ensures that the contracting agency has the opportunity to evaluate the qualifications and the cost-effectiveness of the subcontractors being engaged. This requirement ultimately helps maintain the integrity of the contract and ensures that the projects are completed in a manner that aligns with the contractual expectations.

In most cases, when a contractor has an approved purchasing system in place, the need for explicit consent for subcontracts is often reduced or eliminated. However, lack of such a system raises valid concerns regarding oversight, prompting the necessity for consent.