The Operate Phase (BB7 and BB8) stars with transition and ends when the contract is complete. Transition begins at contract commencement and end on a specified date or when both parties sign a transition acceptance from, confirming that all aspects of the arrangement are fully operational. Irrespective of the official start and end dates, the transition actually begins much earlier, and actually ends much later. In fact, if not managed properly, transition may never end. Therefore, all parties need to begin planning the transitions as soon as it is reasonable to believe the deal may go ahead.