A developer who is planning work can call upon Inrap, a local authority archaeological service authorized by the Ministry of Culture, or any other registered public or private organisation. The contract* between the developer and the organisation responsible for the excavation fixes the price and the conditions for the conduct of the excavation.

By law, Inrap is the default operator when the developer has failed or been unable to make other arrangements.

The appropriate Inrap regional office, establishes a contract* with the developer. The Ministry of Culture authorizes the excavation, having checked the conformity of the contract* with the curator's requirements.