WORKING RELATIONSHIP FORM
Campus Address:
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Date:__________________
_____________________________________
Name of Independent Contractor
_____________________________________
Address
_____________________________________
We have received notification from __________________________ Project Director, that you have or will be
rendering services to his/her research project as an independent contractor. As an independent contractor, no
employee-employer relationship exists between you and the Research Foundation of State University of New
York, ESF, or SUNY.
We would like to take this opportunity to clarify your status with the Research Foundation. If you feel that we
have made a mistake in your classification, you must notify us within ten (10) working days from the date of this
letter. As an independent contractor you are:
Not eligible to file for or to collect unemployment benefits.
Not eligible for workers' compensation coverage.
Solely responsible for complying with all federal, state, and local requirements regarding reporting and
paying taxes.
Required to assign all right, title, and interest in the data or material you produce as a result of project
activities to the Research Foundation, and are prohibited from publishing, permitting to be published, or
distributing any information concerning the results or conclusions of the data or material you produce during
or towards project activities. They are considered "works for hire" and are the property of the Research
Foundation.
Able to retain ownership of intellectual property included in deliverables to the extent that you have
independently developed the intellectual property without Research Foundation financial support. With
respect to such property, you agree to grant to the Research Foundation a royalty free, nonexclusive license
to use such intellectual property for purposes consistent with the Research Foundation's obligations under
the grant or contract that funds this project.
Independent of the Research Foundation as defined by generally accepted auditing standards and U.S. Government
Accountability Office (GAO)’s Government Auditing Standards. Accordingly, no relationship exists between the
Research Foundation, ESF, or any of its employees, Board Members, or with any other person or agency that
constitutes a conflict of interest with respect to the Research Foundation. You agree to give the Research
Foundation written notice of any relationships entered into during the period of the agreement that would present
a question concerning your independence as Independent Contractor.
Are not currently, or within the past two years, a former RF or SUNY employee.
Have no existing professional relationships that would present a conflict of interest between you and the Research
Foundation. In addition, you will give the Research Foundation written notice of any professional relationships
entered into during the period of the agreement that would present a conflict of interest. You have not had any
professional relationships involving the Research Foundation, ESF, or any of its affiliates in the past five years that
would constitute a conflict of interest relative to this agreement.
Your engagement as an independent contractor with the Research Foundation may be cancelled by the Foundation
upon 30-days written notice.
Please review this form for a description of your services and fees.