The manual emphasizes that contracting is a process of linked decisions including the needs assessment, the decision to make or buy, the request for proposals, the writing of the contract, the contract management and evaluation. The discussion also notes that problems may be technical or political and that agencies must identify and address each problem. The process can be applied to decisions regarding residential programs, counseling and treatment programs, testing, and administrative services. Figures, checklist, and appended sample contract and request for proposals