Baselinekontrakten

Baselinekontrakten is a term used in contract management to denote the baseline contract that defines the initial terms against which project performance is measured. It is commonly used in Scandinavian and international procurement and IT project contexts to establish a reference point for scope, cost, schedule, and governance.

A baseline contract typically sets out the scope of work, deliverables, milestones, budget, payment terms, and acceptance criteria. It also describes the change control procedures, risk allocation, warranties, and termination rights that apply to the project. By fixing these elements, the baseline provides a clear standard for monitoring progress, evaluating performance, and reporting variances.

The function of the baseline contract is to enable formal change management. When deviations from the baseline occur, formal change orders or amendments are used to re-baseline the agreement or adjust the terms. Re-baselining is usually pursued only after a defined governance review and with stakeholder approval to ensure alignment with objectives and constraints.

Baseline contracts are often integrated with project governance structures, such as a change control board, to ensure disciplined management of scope, cost, and timing. They are distinct from master or framework contracts in that they are project-specific and may be complemented by later revisions or addenda as the project evolves.

Common challenges include scope creep, inaccurate baselines, and complex change processes. Proper documentation, clear acceptance criteria, and robust governance help mitigate these issues.

See also: contract management, baseline, change control, change order, earned value management.