A Business Analyst (BA) Is Planning for an Upcoming Solution

A business analyst (BA) is planning for an upcoming solution based on a signed contract with a client but has learned that one of the key subject matter experts is unavailable during the first half of the business analysis phase. The project has a tight timeline and firm deadline that is part of the contract. There are no substitutes for the key subject matter expert. How should the BA proceed?

A) Change the solution scope by removing the subject matter expert's component and obtain approval on the new scope
B) Reduce the schedule to coincide with the subject matter expert's availability and reduce the formality for requirements
C) Document the contract terms as a risk and adjust the contract costs to plan for the changes/rework
D) Identify the missing stakeholder as a risk and recommend an adaptive approach for the analysis phase