A contact sheet (aka proof sheet) is indeed a photograph, and needs to be considered seriously as such. It’s information about the negative.
In our darkroom, we recommend making a contact sheet without a filter that would modify contrast. Set the enlarger height to illuminate one of our 9×11″ pieces of glass, with a negative carrier installed. Expose through the glass, through the negatives, onto the paper for nine seconds at f11 (f8 if the developer concentrate calls for it).
Some folks (Mr. Winogrand was one) prefer to make proofs at contrast grade 1, reasoning that they can see better into the highlights and shadows. Consistency is key here.
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