This is the rate to be paid to the provider irrespective of the number of units of service delivered. The amount to be paid could be specified as a total amount, which is split up based on the payment frequency, or as an amount paid per frequency. For example, a provider can enter in to a contract with the agency for $12000 with a payment frequency of 'monthly' and a contract period of a year, which would result in a monthly payment of $1000. Alternatively, a contract could be set up with a regular payment amount of $1000 and a frequency of 'monthly'.