typically they are part of a two-stage tender process, used in the first stage to procure contractor involvement in the design process. the pcsa will define the services that are required of the contractor during the pre-construction phase and is generally similar to a consultancy agreement. however, the client inevitably loses leverage in the second-stage of the tender process, as the contractor becomes embedded in the team and potential competitors lose interest once they find out that another contractor has been awarded the first-stage tender. it is important that the client ensures they have some means of securing an alternative bid if second-stage negotiations fail, albeit this is likely to result in delays and difficulties regarding design liability.