What is meant by "scope creep" in contracting?

The term "scope creep" in contracting refers specifically to a situation where a series of changes or modifications occur that originally seem to fall within the scope of a contract but ultimately expand that scope beyond its intended limits. This often happens when additional tasks or features are added without proper adjustments to the project’s budget, timeline, or resources.

Scope creep can lead to significant issues for any contract, including budget overruns, scheduling delays, and resource allocation problems. It emphasizes the importance of having clear scope definitions and strict change management processes to ensure that all parties involved are aware of any modifications and their implications on the overall project.

Understanding this concept is crucial for contracting officers and project managers to maintain control over the contracted work and manage expectations with stakeholders, ensuring that any changes are formally documented and agreed upon.