It is expected that The University of Texas at Austin activities will be carried out to the maximum extent possible by using the services of regular and temporary employees. However, independent contractors (ICs) may be used when the necessary services cannot be provided adequately by regular or temporary employees within the scope of their employment or in emergency temporary circumstances.
Employee or Independent Contractor?
This is the high-priority, critical question as it pertains to whether the proposed vendor is an employee or independent contractor (IC). As of Sept. 1, 2018, a new university policy states the importance of confirming that the correct classification is made before you make a promise to pay for rendered services on behalf of The University of Texas at Austin.
These changes are a result of findings published in a 2017 internal audit that indicated issues with the APS / PBS (Authorization of Individual Services) form and the non-employee/IC payment process, and an absence of related clear policies and procedures. The audit also specified that the non-employee/IC acquisition process was not compliant with the university’s Purchasing and Contract policies.
New Policy and Guidance
A standardized process now provides current non-employee/IC payment guidelines for campus-wide adoption beginning in fiscal year 2018-19. And, these changes are now in effect:
- APS / PBS form has been eliminated – There is now an APS transition guide or “crosswalk” for services previously processed on that form (please see: Guide to Transition from APS)
- Services will require a purchase order (PO) or business contract (unless exempted from procurement justification process)
- Non-employee/IC payment process must adhere to current Purchasing and Contract policies
Policies and Forms
Questions?
For additional questions or guidance, email the IC Review Committee: AustinDL-icsc@austin.utexas.edu