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Change order management clause: Copy, customize, and use instantly

Introduction

A change order management clause outlines the process for handling modifications to the scope, terms, or deliverables of a contract after it has been signed. This clause ensures both parties have a clear, agreed-upon process for addressing changes, including approvals, documentation, and potential cost or time impacts.

Below are change order management clause templates tailored to various scenarios. Copy the one you need, customize it, and add it to your contract.

Standard change order management clause

This clause establishes a basic change management process.

Any changes to the scope, deliverables, or terms of this agreement must be documented in a written change order and approved by both parties. Each change order will outline the revised scope, cost implications, and impact on timelines.

Change order with mutual agreement clause

This clause emphasizes joint approval for changes.

No changes to this agreement shall be made unless mutually agreed upon by both parties. All change orders must be signed by authorized representatives and include details of the changes, costs, and revised deadlines.

Emergency change order clause

This clause supports changes required in urgent situations.

In the event of an emergency requiring immediate changes to the scope or deliverables, the [service provider] may proceed with changes upon obtaining verbal approval from the [client]. A formal change order must be submitted within [insert timeframe] for retroactive approval.

Budget impact change order clause

This clause addresses changes with financial implications.

Any changes to the scope or deliverables that impact the project budget must be outlined in a change order. The change order will detail the additional costs and require written approval from the [client] before implementation.

Time-sensitive change order clause

This clause streamlines changes with strict timelines.

For time-sensitive changes, the [client] agrees to review and respond to submitted change orders within [insert timeframe]. Failure to respond within this period will result in automatic approval of the change order.

Scope adjustment change order clause

This clause focuses on changes to project scope.

Any adjustments to the project scope must be submitted in a change order. The change order will detail the new scope, associated costs, and revised timelines. No work on the new scope shall commence without written approval.

Multi-tier change order clause

This clause provides a tiered process for handling changes.

Changes to this agreement will follow a multi-tier approval process. Minor changes require written confirmation from the [client], while major changes affecting cost or timeline require a formal change order signed by both parties.

Retrospective approval change order clause

This clause allows for changes with retroactive approval.

The [service provider] may implement minor changes immediately to prevent project delays, provided a change order is submitted for retrospective approval within [insert timeframe]. Major changes require prior written approval.

This clause allocates costs for changes between parties.

Changes to the scope or deliverables will be documented in a change order. Costs associated with the changes will be shared between the [client] and the [service provider] as outlined in the change order.

Regulatory-driven change order clause

This clause accommodates changes due to regulatory requirements.

Any changes required to comply with new or updated regulations must be documented in a change order. The [client] and [service provider] will mutually agree on the costs and timelines associated with such changes.

Change order with dispute resolution clause

This clause provides a process for disputes over changes.

In the event of a dispute regarding a proposed change order, both parties agree to resolve the issue through [insert method, e.g., "mediation or arbitration"]. Work on the disputed change will not commence until resolution is achieved.

Change order with milestone adjustment clause

This clause ties changes to project milestones.

Changes affecting project milestones must be documented in a change order. The change order will include adjustments to milestone deliverables, costs, and completion dates and requires written approval from both parties.

Automated change order management clause

This clause supports digital management of changes.

All change orders must be submitted, reviewed, and approved through the [insert software/tool] platform. Both parties will ensure their representatives are trained to use the platform for efficient change management.

Change order with capped costs clause

This clause limits financial impact from changes.

Any changes requiring a change order must adhere to a maximum additional cost of [insert amount]. Changes exceeding this cap will require a separate agreement between the [client] and the [service provider].

Incremental change order clause

This clause supports phased implementation of changes.

Changes may be implemented incrementally, with each phase documented in a separate change order. Costs and timelines for each phase will be outlined and approved before proceeding to the next phase.

No-impact change order clause

This clause addresses changes with no cost or time impact.

Minor changes to the project scope or deliverables that do not affect cost or timelines may be documented in a simple change order. Such changes can be implemented upon mutual written consent.

Comprehensive change order clause

This clause ensures detailed documentation of changes.

All change orders must include a detailed description of the changes, reasons for the changes, revised costs, impact on timelines, and any associated risks. Both parties must approve the change order before implementation.

Conditional change order clause

This clause ties changes to specific conditions.

Changes to the scope or deliverables will only be approved if the [service provider] demonstrates that the changes are necessary and beneficial. A formal change order must document the rationale, costs, and timeline adjustments.

Change order with termination rights clause

This clause allows contract termination due to changes.

If proposed changes significantly alter the original scope or exceed the agreed-upon budget, either party reserves the right to terminate the agreement. A change order documenting the proposed changes and reasons for termination must be signed by both parties.

Fast-track change order clause

This clause accelerates approval for urgent changes.

In cases of urgent necessity, the [service provider] may submit a fast-track change order to the [client]. The [client] must respond within [insert time frame], and lack of response will be considered approval.

Change order with cost breakdown clause

This clause requires detailed cost itemization for changes.

Any change order submitted must include a detailed cost breakdown, specifying labor, materials, and other associated expenses. Changes will not be implemented until the [client] reviews and approves the cost breakdown.

Change order with stakeholder review clause

This clause incorporates stakeholder input for changes.

All change orders must be reviewed by designated stakeholders from both the [client] and the [service provider]. Stakeholder feedback must be documented before the final approval of the change order.

Procurement-driven change order clause

This clause addresses changes tied to procurement needs.

Any changes resulting from procurement delays or adjustments must be documented in a change order. The change order will outline the impact on costs and timelines and requires mutual approval.

Collaborative change order clause

This clause emphasizes joint planning for changes.

The [client] and [service provider] agree to collaborate on all proposed changes, ensuring mutual alignment on scope, cost, and timelines. A change order summarizing the agreed terms must be signed by both parties.

Partial approval change order clause

This clause allows partial implementation of changes.

The [client] may approve certain portions of a change order while rejecting others. Approved portions can be implemented immediately, and rejected portions will be subject to renegotiation.

Change order with recurring review clause

This clause mandates regular review of changes.

The [client] and [service provider] agree to conduct recurring reviews of all change orders on a [insert time frame, e.g., "monthly"] basis to assess cumulative impacts on the project’s scope, cost, and timeline.

Change order with cancellation clause

This clause supports cancellation of approved changes.

The [client] reserves the right to cancel an approved change order before implementation. Any costs incurred prior to cancellation must be reimbursed to the [service provider].

Change order with phased approval clause

This clause enables multi-stage approval processes.

The [service provider] may submit change orders for phased approval, starting with preliminary authorization for planning and followed by final approval for execution. Each phase must be documented and signed off separately.

Change order with risk mitigation plan clause

This clause ties changes to risk management.

All change orders must include a risk mitigation plan detailing potential issues arising from the changes and measures to address them. Changes will not be implemented without approval of the mitigation plan.

Change order with price ceiling clause

This clause caps the cost of changes.

Any changes requiring a change order must not exceed a maximum cost increase of [insert amount or percentage]. Changes exceeding this ceiling must be negotiated as a new agreement.

Change order with approval hierarchy clause

This clause establishes levels of approval for changes.

Change orders will follow an approval hierarchy, with minor changes authorized by the project manager and major changes requiring approval from executive stakeholders. The hierarchy will be detailed in [insert section].

Change order with technology integration clause

This clause governs changes involving new technologies.

Any changes requiring the integration of new technologies must be documented in a change order. The change order must outline compatibility, costs, and potential disruptions before implementation.

This clause allows shared costs for already-implemented changes.

For changes implemented without prior approval, the [client] and [service provider] may negotiate a retrospective cost-sharing arrangement. A change order documenting the shared costs must be signed by both parties.

Change order with external review clause

This clause involves third-party evaluation of changes.

Major change orders affecting the project’s scope or budget must be reviewed by an independent third-party consultant. The consultant’s recommendations will inform the final approval process.

Multi-party change order clause

This clause applies to agreements involving multiple stakeholders.

All change orders must be approved by all stakeholders involved in the project. Each stakeholder’s approval must be documented, and any disagreements will be resolved through a consensus-building process.

Change order with digital signature clause

This clause supports electronic approvals.

All change orders may be approved using digital signatures via [insert platform]. Both parties agree that digital signatures carry the same legal weight as handwritten signatures.

Change order with no-cost adjustments clause

This clause addresses minor changes with no cost implications.

Minor adjustments to scope or deliverables that do not impact costs or timelines may be documented in a simplified change order. These changes require mutual written consent for implementation.

Change order with detailed timeline impact clause

This clause requires specific details on timeline adjustments.

Any change orders affecting the project timeline must include a detailed analysis of the delays or adjustments, specifying milestones and deadlines. Approval of the change order signifies acceptance of the revised timeline.

Time-bound change order clause

This clause sets strict deadlines for change order approvals.

The [client] and [service provider] agree that all change orders must be reviewed and either approved or rejected within [insert time frame, e.g., "10 business days"]. Failure to respond within this period will result in automatic rejection.

Change order with recurring cost review clause

This clause ensures periodic cost reviews for implemented changes.

Any implemented changes must undergo recurring cost reviews every [insert time frame, e.g., "quarter"]. Adjustments to the project budget due to these reviews must be agreed upon through supplementary change orders.

Vendor-initiated change order clause

This clause allows vendors to propose changes.

The [vendor] may propose changes to the project scope or terms by submitting a formal change order to the [client]. The [client] must review and approve or reject the proposed changes within [insert time frame].

Change order with phased implementation clause

This clause allows gradual execution of changes.

Change orders involving significant modifications will be implemented in phases. Each phase must be approved individually, with costs and timelines outlined in the respective change order.

Change order with penalty for delays clause

This clause imposes penalties for delays in change approval.

If the [client] fails to approve or reject a submitted change order within [insert time frame], a penalty of [insert amount] per day may apply. This penalty compensates the [service provider] for potential delays caused by inaction.

Change order with continuous improvement clause

This clause ties changes to performance optimization.

Any changes aimed at improving project performance must be documented in a change order. These changes will be evaluated for their effectiveness within [insert time frame] after implementation, with adjustments made as necessary.

Joint venture change order clause

This clause applies to projects managed by joint ventures.

Change orders in joint venture projects must be approved by representatives from all involved parties. A majority vote among stakeholders will determine whether a change order proceeds to implementation.

Change order with impact monitoring clause

This clause requires ongoing tracking of change impacts.

All change orders must include an impact monitoring plan to assess their effects on the project’s scope, cost, and timeline. Regular reports on the impact must be provided to both parties during implementation.

Retroactive cost allocation change order clause

This clause allows post-implementation cost sharing.

If a change order is implemented before approval due to urgency, costs will be retroactively allocated between the [client] and [service provider] as documented in the finalized change order.

Subcontractor-driven change order clause

This clause addresses changes proposed by subcontractors.

Any changes proposed by subcontractors must be reviewed by the [service provider] before submission to the [client] as a formal change order. The [service provider] remains responsible for ensuring the changes align with the project’s objectives.

Change order with contingency fund allocation clause

This clause allows changes to be funded by a contingency budget.

Approved change orders with financial implications will first draw from the project’s contingency fund. If the fund is depleted, additional costs will require mutual agreement and documentation in the change order.

Technology-driven change order clause

This clause supports changes due to technological advancements.

Changes required due to technological updates or innovations must be documented in a change order. The [service provider] will outline how these changes improve project outcomes and any associated costs or timeline impacts.

Change order with fixed approval thresholds clause

This clause sets limits for change approvals.

Minor changes costing under [insert amount] may be approved by the project manager, while major changes exceeding this threshold require executive-level approval. All changes must be documented in formal change orders.

Client-requested pause change order clause

This clause addresses client-requested project pauses.

If the [client] requests a temporary pause in the project, a change order must outline the duration of the pause, any associated costs, and the revised timeline for resuming work.

Change order with expedited fee clause

This clause imposes fees for accelerated changes.

For changes requiring expedited approval or implementation, an expedited processing fee of [insert amount or percentage] will apply. The fee and adjusted timelines will be documented in the change order.

This clause handles changes tied to warranty claims.

Changes required to address warranty issues must be documented in a change order. The [service provider] will specify whether the changes are covered under the warranty or require additional payment.

Change order with external approvals clause

This clause involves approvals from external regulators or stakeholders.

Any changes requiring external regulatory or stakeholder approvals must be documented in a change order. Implementation will not proceed until all external approvals are obtained.

Change order with legacy system integration clause

This clause manages changes involving older systems.

Changes involving integration with legacy systems must be documented in a change order. The [service provider] will outline compatibility requirements, costs, and potential risks before implementation.

Change order with termination trigger clause

This clause allows termination for excessive changes.

If the number or cost of change orders exceeds [insert threshold], either party may terminate the agreement. A final change order documenting the reasons for termination and remaining obligations must be executed.

Change order with third-party involvement clause

This clause includes provisions for external third parties in the change process.

Changes that involve third-party vendors or consultants must be documented in a change order. The [client] and [service provider] agree to jointly manage the third-party’s role, costs, and timelines as specified in the change order.

Sequential change order clause

This clause requires sequential approval of changes.

Changes to the project will require sequential approval, with each stage of the change order process—submission, review, and final approval—documented and signed off by the relevant parties before implementation.

Change order with iterative updates clause

This clause supports iterative revisions to a change order.

Change orders requiring frequent updates during implementation must include an iterative update schedule. Each update will be reviewed and approved by both parties to ensure alignment with project objectives.

Change order with shared oversight clause

This clause emphasizes joint oversight of changes.

The [client] and [service provider] will share oversight responsibilities for all changes documented in change orders. Both parties must designate representatives to monitor implementation and resolve issues as they arise.

Simplified change order clause

This clause allows for quick approval of minor changes.

Minor changes with no cost or timeline implications may be approved using a simplified change order form. These forms require basic details of the change and a single signature from both parties.

Escalated change order clause

This clause ensures urgent changes are prioritized.

Urgent changes impacting critical milestones will be escalated for immediate review and approval. The [client] and [service provider] agree to respond to escalated change orders within [insert timeframe].

Change order with flexible execution clause

This clause provides flexibility for implementing changes.

Changes documented in a change order may be implemented in stages or adjusted based on project developments. Both parties agree to collaborate on execution strategies as needed.

This clause adjusts cost-sharing arrangements based on change impact.

Cost-sharing arrangements for changes will be dynamically adjusted based on the scale and impact of the change. These adjustments must be documented in the change order and signed by both parties.

Change order with progress-dependent execution clause

This clause ties changes to project progress.

Changes proposed in a change order will only be executed if the project meets specific progress milestones. Milestone completion will trigger implementation of the approved changes.

Proactive change order clause

This clause allows proactive identification of potential changes.

Either party may propose proactive changes to prevent anticipated issues. Proposed changes must be documented in a change order and reviewed collaboratively for approval before implementation.

Comprehensive timeline realignment clause

This clause ensures detailed adjustments to project timelines.

Any change orders impacting timelines must include a comprehensive realignment of all affected project deadlines. Both parties must approve the adjusted timelines before implementation begins.

Change order with resource reallocation clause

This clause supports reallocation of resources for changes.

Changes documented in a change order may require reallocation of project resources. The [client] and [service provider] will jointly agree on the resources to be reassigned and document them in the change order.

Retrospective change order audit clause

This clause mandates audits of implemented changes.

All implemented changes will be subject to retrospective audits to assess their impact on the project’s cost, timeline, and quality. Audit results will be documented and may inform future change order policies.

Multi-client change order clause

This clause applies to projects involving multiple clients.

In multi-client projects, all proposed changes must be documented in a change order and reviewed by each client. Approval requires consensus among the clients as specified in [insert section].

Change order with contingency adjustments clause

This clause allows for use of contingency funds.

Approved change orders may utilize contingency funds allocated for unforeseen project changes. The use of these funds must be documented in the change order and tracked for accountability.

Parallel change order clause

This clause supports simultaneous implementation of changes.

Multiple approved change orders may be implemented in parallel if they do not conflict or interfere with one another. Each change order must include a compatibility assessment to ensure seamless execution.

Change order with client flexibility clause

This clause gives the client flexibility in change prioritization.

The [client] reserves the right to prioritize approved change orders based on project needs. Lower-priority changes may be deferred without penalty to the [service provider].

Vendor-specific change order clause

This clause addresses changes tied to a specific vendor.

Change orders involving work by a specific vendor must include detailed vendor deliverables, costs, and timelines. Both the [client] and [service provider] will oversee the vendor’s compliance with the change order terms.

Iterative milestone change order clause

This clause links changes to iterative project milestones.

Proposed changes will be tied to iterative project milestones. Each milestone will include a review of pending change orders to ensure alignment with the project’s evolving requirements.

This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.

Last updated 19 Apr 2025