D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 19, r. 19-4329
The CCO shall use a letter contract when contract work must begin immediately and awarding a definitive contract is not immediately possible.
The CCO shall ensure that each letter contract is as definitive and complete as possible under the circumstances and shall include clauses applicable to letter contracts to protect the Library's interests.
Each letter contract shall include a price ceiling that the contractor shall not exceed.
The CCO shall not enter into a letter contract without competition, except as provided in Section 4320.
When a letter contract is utilized, the maximum liability of the Library shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the estimated cost for the term of the definitive contract, unless approved in advance by the CCO.
The CCO shall execute a definitive contract within ninety (90) days after the date of execution of the letter contract or before completion of fifty percent (50%) of the work to be performed, whichever occurs first.
The CCO shall ensure that funds are obligated in the amount of the maximum Library liability for the term of the letter contract prior to executing a letter contract.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 19, r. 19-4329