Fierce Solution
My Shop Policies
Welcome Message:
The purpose of this policy is to provide criteria for engaging and paying Business Directive Consultant including independent contractors (External Service Providers) who provide professional services (including consulting services) to Fierce Solution in a manner that complies with local, state, federal, and national and Fierce Solution regulations.
Professional and Consulting Services are usually customized services, that utilize specialized intellectual or creative expertise, based on personal skills or ideas of an individual (s) or company that are provided for a fee, which is determined with each customer for each service contract.
These services are unique, technical, and/or infrequent functions and, the External Service Provider is qualified by education, experience, and/or technical ability to provide services. In most cases, these services are of a specific project nature, and are not a continuing, ongoing responsibility of business. The services rendered are predominately intellectual in character even though a professional license may not be required of the External Service Provider.
This policy applies to anyone wishing to contract for professional/consulting services with or on behalf of Fierce Solution regardless of the source of funds. This policy supersedes all previous policies. A client intending to engage an External Service Provider as a consultant must follow Fierce Solution contracting procedures prior to the start of any work or performance of services.
Payments:
When engaging with an individual to perform professional services, an evaluation and classification must be completed prior to the start of the work. This step is required to ensure compliance related to proper worker classification, payment and tax withholding. The Department of Labor, as well as the IRS tax code define whether an individual can be classified as an independent contractor or, must be classified as an employee. Improper classification of an employee as an independent contractor may subject Fierce Solution to significant tax penalties as well as penalties under other federal regulations. It is imperative that common standards are applied in classification and contracting, and that each case is well documented for audit purposes.
Fees charged for services are categorized by fees for the services rendered and when applicable address the External Service Provider’s qualifications. External Service Providers must be selected in accordance with the Fierce Solution’s competitive bid policies. Contracts with External Service Providers for Professional Services and Consulting Agreements, including PSA templates, must be signed by an authorized person before the commencement of work.
Payment method accepted:
Fierce Solution should retain external service providers only when the skills required are not available or able to be provided by Fierce Solution faculty or staff. External Service Providers normally possess specialized skills, knowledge or credentials that are not readily available among the Fierce Solution’s faculty and staff, and the expertise is provided on a temporary basis.
External Service Providers: Organizations or individuals (independent contractors) who provide professional or other services to Fierce Solution for a fee. When the services provided are for professional or consulting services, a contract is required. The contract format must be Fierce Solution’s Professional Service Agreement standard template or, the external service provider’s contract. If the external service provider’s contract is used, it must be reviewed through the Fierce Solution’s contract review process prior to the start of work.
Independent Contractors: Independent contractors are self-employed individuals in an independent trade, business, or profession who offer their services to the general public under a contract or agreement. Typically, independent contractors supply their own workplace and tools, are not supervised, control their work schedule, and have a particular set of skills not found elsewhere within the Fierce Solution. These individuals are not eligible for employee benefits and are not covered under the Fierce Solution’s workers compensation program.
Specialized, Trade and Maintenance Services: Specialized, Trade and Maintenance Services are services that are routinely provided to a large number of customers usually at published rates without significant customizing.
When engaging to provide services where there will be more than one payment or, the total payment will exceed $5,000, the following procedures must be followed:
Work cannot begin until the hiring/contracting process is completed inclusive of the below:
Shipping & Order Processing:
UPS, USPS
Refunds and Exchanges:
Initial Consultation is non- refundable fee.
Non-refundable , negotiated request of services, and invoices by categories. Must meet full payment obligations as contracted, with no cancellation of services to receive offer for consideration of refund or exchanges.