I think there is a need for a transition period given the timing of this given the number of days to the end of the contract.
However, as personal experience, I’m concerned continuously of the American political term of a long Lame Duck period where a previously elected team is moving out, and potentially a new elected team is moving in.
As such, I’d think a 2 month hard extension(s) would be more suitable. I am averaging here a previous opinion of at least 1 month and your suggestion of 3 months.
I think very specific list of work for the period inclusive of readying handover items if handover occurs, and certain completion of immediate project(s) in place (such as a number of Cicada’s current proposed pools - which have been mentioned in another post) on the UI.
Also the number of estimated hours of work for each task taken would also be helpful to assess the economics of any proposal. I think value for money is quite important, not in a way, that someone constantly gets a better or good deal, but one that can be reasonably be equitable for each stakeholder in this protocol.
In a roundabout way, in comparison, for the proposal for directors (myself, Nathan, and Ferengi) in our proposal for directorships, stated the fees for both a monthly retainer, and also additional hours of work that would be done and billed.
For example: as for clear technical (legal) experience as a lawyer imbedded into work, Nathan, as one of the directors, proposed (and this passed of course by DAO votes) a rate of $200 US per hour, or at a full time position - of about $350,000 annually - for a role that is crucial for a protocol dependent on items such as counterparty onboarding, negotiating master loan agreements and other work.
While time if of the essence (as always), the protocol as you say to introduce healthy competition, the protocol must make moves to create an environment that can allow for this, and it starts with intelligent structuring of contracts and agreements, and being smart about paying the right amount that is commensurate with the value provided.