Contract Variations and Amendments: what scope is there to amend an existing contract before a new contract (and competition) becomes necessary?

Most contracting authorities are well aware that there is limited scope to amend a contract previously awarded under the EU public procurement regime. It is generally accepted that whatever scope does exist depends upon the degree of flexibility built into the original Official Journal (OJEU) notice and other initiating documents. By structuring their procurements carefully, many contracting authorities reserve rights to extend the duration of an awarded contract or extend its scope to cover other advertised services.

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