A time and material contract is characterized by its flexibility in pricing, which is based on the actual time spent on the project and the materials used. The defining feature of such a contract is that it specifies the costs for various elements, including labor, materials, and potentially overhead. This means that the contractor can bill the client based on the actual hours worked and the materials utilized, which allows for adjustments based on the scope of work as it progresses.
By using this type of contract, clients can have more control over how much they spend based on their needs and the complexities of the project, rather than being locked into a fixed price which may not accurately reflect the project’s final cost. This approach can be particularly useful in projects where the scope may not be fully defined at the outset, allowing for modifications as work commences or the conditions change.
In contrast, other options highlight features that do not align with the principles of a time and material contract, such as offering a fixed price or eliminating project management, both of which are not representative of this contract type's inherent nature.