Contracts for Services

Getting Started

For all international vendors (i.e., an individual working outside the U.S. or a foreign entity performing work within or outside of the U.S.), see International Consulting Agreements at the bottom of this page.

1. Check the list of Specific Contracts for One-time Services below to see if there’s a contract there that meets your needs. Each of these contracts is geared toward a specific type of service: facility rentals; caterers; performers; photography, graphic design, general services, or language translation.
   1. If a contract is available, complete the contract with the service provider and submit it with the normal I Want document process.
   2. If you need assistance selecting a contract, contact your business service center (BSC).
   3. If a contract doesn’t exist, continue with the next steps.
2. If the vendor is an individual or if you’re not sure if they are a legal entity, then complete the Service Provider Evaluation Process.
3. If the vendor is a legal entity (i.e., corporation, partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company):
   1. Select either the Professional Service or IT Professional Service agreement under Consulting Agreements for Work Performed in the United States below.
   2. Send the service provider the applicable professional service provider contract.
   3. Send the completed contract and a robust statement of work to your BSC using an I Want document.

Specific Contracts for One-Time Services

For international service providers, follow the instructions in the International Consulting Agreements section below and process on a purchase order.

These contracts are for specific kinds of one-time services, whether the services are performed by an individual or a legal entity (i.e., corporation, partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company). If you are engaging a service provider for repeat work over a period of time, please complete the service provider evaluation process and use the appropriate consulting agreement, i.e, independent consultant or professional services agreement.

Before the service begins, the unit, BSC director/delegate, and service provider must sign the specific contract, and, if required, the purchase order should be issued.

A service provider attestation is included in these specific contracts; so, the service provider questionnaire and evaluation worksheet are not required. If the service provider indicates that they have been a Cornell employee, student, or student-employee within the past twelve months, contact the University Tax Office before proceeding.

Caution: Any revisions to Cornell’s standard templates require the review and approval by Procurement Services and the signature of a procurement agent.

1. Addendum for Facility Contract Agreements (PDF, 170 KB): Use this agreement when utilizing a facility's contract for event space rental

• See Catering and Event Space Rental for information on hiring and paying caterers and event space rentals, including a Hotel and Facility Rental Checklist.

2. Caterer Contract (PDF, 168 KB): Use this contract to address tax, liability, and contract terms and conditions.

3. Performer and Service Provider Contract Matrix (PDF, 146 KB): This document will help you determine the type of contract, payment method, and insurance requirements needed when hiring entertainers and small one-time service providers. Use the agreements below to address tax, liability, and contract terms and conditions. 

3.a. Performer Without Equipment Contract (PDF, 207 KB)

3.b. Performer With Equipment Contract (PDF, 207 KB)

3.c. Services Provider Contract (PDF, 235 KB): Use for small services such as massage, henna, face painting, spa services, pedicures, manicures, one- or two-day workshops. For consulting services use the Independent Consultant Agreement under Consulting Agreements for Work Performed in the United States below.

3.d. Service Provider Contract for Graphic Design or Videography (PDF, 188 KB) Please use the IT Professional Services Agreement when engaging a web designer. See Consulting Agreements for Work Performed in the United States below.

3.e. Service Provider Contract for Writing, Editing, Indexing (PDF, 248 KB)

3.f. Service Provider Contract for Photographer, Artist, Illustrator (PDF, 235 KB)

3.g. Service Provider Contract for Language Translation and Interpretation (including Sign Language) (PDF, 146 KB) When engaging closed captioning or transcription services, use the IT Professional Services Agreement under Consulting Agreements for Work Performed in the United States below.

4. Executive Search Firm Agreement Template, rev. Sept. 2022 (DOC, 326 KB)
Use this agreement template when engaging an executive search firm and attach the firm's statement of work. A purchase order is required. Submit the completed and signed agreement with the I Want document. These services are exempt from bid and do not require a single-/sole-source justification form unless contract, grant, or federal funds are used to pay for the service.

Note: All final search firm agreements must be approved by Human Resources and Procurement. The authorizing party must retain a copy of this contract. In addition, forward a copy of this agreement, completed and signed by the contractor and university representatives, along with all relevant attachments, to Denise Brown-Hart, Sr. Director of Talent, Division of Human Resources, 337 Pine Tree Road, Ithaca, NY 14850

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Service Provider Evaluation Process

Before engaging a service provider, you must evaluate whether the individual or entity providing the service should be classified as an employee or an independent contractor (vendor), based upon IRS guidelines. The evaluation and classification must be performed before engaging an individual or entity to perform services, and before any services begin.

If you are engaging an independent contractor or consultant who will perform services outside of the U.S. (regardless of nationality) or engaging a foreign entity, follow the International Consulting Agreements process outlined below.

S​tep 1: Evaluate the Service Provider

1. Send the Service Provider Questionnaire (PDF, 779 KB) to the provider. This form aids Cornell in evaluating of the provider's independent contractor status based on IRS guidelines.
   1. The provider will identify its ownership type as entity or individual.
2. After the provider returns the completed questionnaire:
   1. If the provider has indicated they are an entity, you do not need to complete the Service Provider Evaluation Worksheet. Go to Step 2: Select the Engagement Process.
   2. If the provider has indicated they are an individual, sole-proprietor, or single-member LLC, use the questionnaire to complete the Service Provider Evaluation Worksheet which follows:
      1. Service Provider Evaluation Worksheet (PDF, 713 KB): Assists in completing the evaluation of behavioral control, financial control, and nature of the relationship.
3. Attach the completed service provider questionnaire and the evaluation worksheet to the I Want document.
4. The service provider evaluation must be performed annually to ensure the classification remains correct.

Step 2:  Select an Engagement Process

1. If the service provider is classified as an entity:
   1. Complete the Professional Services or IT Professional Services Agreement and follow the purchase order process
   2. Attach the contract and any supporting documentation (e.g., scope of work, single/sole source justification form) to the requisition or I Want document PRIOR to the start of service.
2. If the service provider is classified as an independent contractor:
   1. Complete the Independent Consulting Agreement and follow the purchase order process. For IT related services, please use the IT Professional Services Agreement (even for individuals).
   2. Attach the contract and any supporting documentation (e.g., service provider questionnaire and evaluation worksheet, scope of work, single/sole source justification form) to the requisition or I Want document PRIOR to the start of service.
3. If the service provider is classified as an employee:
   1. Consult your unit's human resources department.
   2. Alternatively, you may be able to engage the service provider through one of Cornell’s recommended temporary staffing companies.

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Consulting Agreements for Work Performed in the United States

Agreements must be complete, initialed by the unit, signed by the service provider, and include a detailed statement of work. A purchase order is required. Submit the completed agreements to your business service center via the I Want document. Discourage changes to the contract language, if possible.

For Indivi​duals Who Are Independent Contractors or Consultants

1. Independent Consultant Agreement (PDF, 336 KB): Use this contract for an individual to address tax, liability, and contract terms and conditions. The service provider questionnaire and evaluation worksheet are required. For IT-related services, use the IT Professional Services agreement below.

2. Amendment to Independent Contractor/Consultant Agreement (PDF, 32 KB): Use this form to amend the original Independent Contractor/Consultant Agreement (e.g., extend dates, revise scope of work).

For ​Entities (Corporations, Partnerships, LLCs, LLPs)

1. Professional Services Agreement (PDF, 362 KB): Use this contract for entities to address tax, liability, and contract terms and conditions.

2. IT Professional Services Agreement (PDF, 375 KB): Use this contract for entities or individuals providing IT-related services to address tax, liability, and contract terms and conditions. The language is written specifically for information technology companies that may be providing software, hardware, web design, or cloud services.

3. Amendment to Professional Services Agreement (PDF, 85 KB): Use this form to amend the original Professional Services Agreement or the IT Professional Services Agreement (e.g., extend dates, revise scope of work).

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International Consulting Agreements

Work performed overseas can present a range of legal, financial, safety, and logistical considerations that create complications and could add expenses. Consideration also must be given to whether the arrangement could trigger corporate registration or licensing requirements that may result in additional financial or regulatory obligations in the host country.

For Individuals Working Outside the U.S.

1. Before engaging/hiring short-term consultants, lecturers, data collectors, and others for international assignments, contact your unit's international independent contractor representative to begin the review process.
2. Complete the International Independent Contractor Certification and Attestation (PDF, 256 KB). This form must be completed by any individual who provides services in any jurisdiction outside the United States on Cornell’s behalf, regardless of nationality or country of residence. All information must be entered completely by the person to perform the services to ensure accuracy and a timely review. The information on this form is to be used to determine whether the services and individual comply with the independent contractor guidelines set out by the U.S. IRS and the laws of the country where the services will be performed.
3. Upon determination that the independent contractor guidelines can be met, your unit’s international independent contractor representative will submit the appropriate agreement for unit approval and executing signatures through Cornell’s online contract management system.
4. Before the expiry date of the agreement, submit to your unit’s international independent contractor representative details of any amendments to the international independent contractor's agreement for review.

For Foreign Entities (Corporations, Partnerships, LLCs, LLPs) That Are Independent Contractors or Consultants

1. Use the International Independent Consultant Agreement (PDF, 497 KB) for foreign entities performing work within and outside of the U.S., to address tax, liability, and contract terms and conditions.

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