NBS Contracts, Fees

All work undertaken by NBS is carried out to the terms of a Proposal or Terms of Reference (TOR) drafted by NBS and agreed with Client in advance.

Depending on the nature of the Project, TOR's may be brief or extensive.  Terms of Reference will state the background and objectives of a Project and show the expected work-elements and costs breakdown together with a timetable for completion of the Project.  In all cases TOR's will include NBS's standard terms of business - which can be modified by agreement with the Client at the TOR stage if required.

Fees for projects are made up from a number of elements:

• Consultant time/costs: this normally includes traveling and accommodation expenses but excludes costs such as database access/citation fees.  Traveling time is not usually charged for.

• Costs (e.g. data purchase costs) - usually charged at cost.

• Project management fees (only where one or more subcontractors are engaged ).

• Subcontractor costs (if and when engaged).

• Fees paid on behalf of Clients (e.g. to Domain registration Companies)

Often the costs breakdown within a TOR will show not only the direct Project costs, but other likely costs to the Client associated with the Project -  and expected recurring (e.g. annual) costs.  NBS fee structures are 'open' to Clients and NBS is happy to discuss costs breakdowns in detail as part of agreeing a Terms of Reference.

Fees for projects lasting more than a few weeks are normally invoiced on the basis of work completed at the end of each calendar month - against timesheets and or other evidence as may be required.

Consultant and subcontractor fee rates will reflect the nature of the work required.  Longer-term tasks and tasks repeated annually against an initial TOR are likely to offered to Clients at reduced rates.

Last modified: November 26, 2003