What is defined as a change to the original contract terms?

The correct answer, which is a variation, refers specifically to a change to the original contract terms. In contractual terms, a variation allows for adjustments or modifications to the scope of work, costs, deadlines, or other critical elements of the original contract without completely renegotiating or creating a new contract. Variations can occur due to unforeseen circumstances, changes in project requirements, or new legal interpretations.

This process is crucial in contract administration, as it ensures that all parties can adapt to changing situations while maintaining the integrity of the original contractual agreement. Properly managing variations helps prevent disputes and keeps the project on track.

Amendments generally imply formal changes to the contract that may require additional agreement or documentation but are not as broadly applicable as variations. Termination refers to the ending of a contract prematurely, and a supplement typically indicates adding to the existing contract rather than adjusting its terms.