A consultancy firm is finally selected and contracted for a project following an extensive and competitive procurement process. A few months into project execution, the client asks the project manager why the consultant is contracted for only 18 months instead of the full 32-month-long project. The project manager will need to carry out an unplanned second bidding process to ensure services are in place until the end of the project. What should the project manager have done to prevent this? Prepared and negotiated a second contract with the consultancy firm for the remaining 14 months after the first contract signature. Agreed beforehand with the client on the frequency of reporting on the status of the procurement activities within the project. Included the client in all negotiation phases with the consultancy to obtain their advanced approval before signing the contract. Developed a detailed, phased procurement management plan including all activities required and had the client approve it