There are a couple of optional clauses in Section 10 of the Standard contract template (not required for the minimal risk contract template), but what is actually required will largely depend upon the type of contract that is at issue. For example, a contract in which the work is largely administrative in nature should request a minimum of $2,000,000 in general liability insurance.

In other contracts, though, involving engaging professional services, we would require errors and omissions/professional liability insurance. The minimum amount of insurance required would depend on the nature of the work and should be determined in consultation with the Contracts and Insurance Office.

In a construction contract, which would be more representative of a complex contract, it is typically commercial liability and automobile insurance information that is required. Insurance minimums should be determined in consultation with the Contracts and Insurance Office.

Each case is different, so anyone involved in fee for service contract preparation should be cautioned that it is not a “fill-in-the-blanks” exercise; however, these templates provide a good starting point.