IT fixed price: when it's taking a long time

[BolshieBastard]

It would not be unusual to have to renegotiate a fixed price deal part way through.

Once upon a time, there was a large IT consultancy firm who's name was something like Accident-Sure who, due to previous f**king up of projects for a large banking client, who's name was something like BHOS, took on a project to replace the operating platform of every windows based client and server in the organisation, at a fixed cost. Half way through, Accident-Sure decided that they were well off target and simply told BHOS that they weren't going to be able to deliver at the fixed cost. They carried on working until the fixed budget had run out, got some more, spent that and still didn't complete the job and then just disappeared into the ether. The client got someone else to finish the job on a time and materials basis.

Everything is negotiable

Which is why I said if you dont ask you dont get.

Having said that, the might of large scale companies to force changes is well known and one that small contractor operations are infrequently afforded.

[Freamon]

You need to demonstrate that what you are being asked to deliver is not in the agreed requirements/spec/design/whatever.

What does your contract say about changes to signed-off documentation?

[tractor]

..

Raise a business case with them as to why it is taking longer being very careful to identify situations that are out of your control and are not in keeping with the origianal contract/quote. Even though it is fixed price, if you can demonstrate the client has moved the goal posts it would be unreasonable to not expect an extra bill.

The key is to prove it. If you go in with no proof you are on a wish and a prayer, if it is there in black and white and cannot be argued they can't say no.

This, identifying where ANY changes or additions have been made to the original spec. This IMHO is where your best bet in making a successful argument may lie.

You may also want to consider any barriers or obstacles that may have arisen since commencement that you were not made aware of as a risk.