Contract Services uses a streamlined format for AFAs with local governments. The format consists of two components:

The MAFA contains the

general terms and conditions

and cites the federal and state laws that govern these agreements between the State of Texas, through TxDOT and the local governments. The local government adopts a MAFA and agrees that its general terms and conditions will be followed on all the local projects undertaken by TxDOT and the local government, unless a specific exception is made in a project agreement (LPAFA). Signing a MAFA helps the two parties avoid negotiating and reviewing standard contract terms and conditions each time they wish to enter into an agreement. The MAFA

does not

specify either the cost or the scope of work for individual projects. The MAFA

does not

have a set termination date and is in effect until terminated by TxDOT or the local government.

Once a MAFA has been adopted, a LPAFA is used to define the scope of work and funding for a

specific project

. The LPAFA contract period usually ends upon completion of the project unless the LPAFA is terminated in accordance with the terms of the contract. The LPAFA specifies the division of responsibilities for performing work, such as:

The LPAFA also specifies which party will provide what resources, such as which party will provide the land or the cash necessary for a project. The party responsible for performing work may or may not be the party responsible for paying for the work. The LPAFA

does not

include general terms and conditions of the contract, as TxDOT and the local government agreed to these provisions in the MAFA. If there are exceptions to the MAFA that pertain to a specific project, then the LPAFA provides for these exceptions. It expands or adds to what is not covered in the MAFA.