Of 75 agencies surveyed for this synthesis, 71 are using contract maintenance to some extent. The activities most commonly contracted are maintenance overlays, bridge painting, bridge repairs, pavement sealing, and rest area maintenance. There was a wide range in the level of contracting. Most agencies believed that contracting was cost- effective, that quality of work was satisfactory, and that contractors were satisfactory in their response to emergencies. In some agencies, the use of contract maintenance is dictated by legal or policy requirements, such as a requirement to contract if expenditures exceed a set threshold. This publication discusses the pros and cons of contracting and reviews current practices in the area. The decision process, including the determination of the need to contract, the feasibility of contracting, and the desirability for so doing, as well as the costs are covered. The organizing for contracting and the implementation of the contracting process are described. Research needs related to guide specifications, and inspection and quality control are noted.  The report for this topic can be purchased at https://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=3432