Uniform contracts and cost accounting definitions and methods: recommendations by interdepartmental conference consisting of delegates from the departments of war, navy, and commerce, the Federal trade commission, and the council of national defense. July, 1917.

Abstract

These recommendations are intended to suggest to contracting officers some of the broad legal and equitable points involved in war contracts, and to express the preference of the conference for a straight purchase-and-sale contract at a fixed price, since it is simpler in terms, easier to work under, and generally speaking, productive of better and quicker results. The British Government, after several years\u27 experience, has discarded the cost-plus contract plan and adopted the straight purchase-and-sale contract in every instance possible. It is not proposed to go into the large question of policy involved in attempting to prevent demoralization of markets by excessive competition. Suffice it to say, that the Government can furnish material and component parts under either a fixed-price or a cost-plus contract, and thus protect market conditions by purchases in bulk