Becoming a Service Provider

Are you providing a service? A service is an activity in which labor is the major factor and not merely incidental to the production, acquisition, and/or delivery of a good. The procurement of services has unique requirements.

1. According to Internal Revenue Service guidelines, Cornell must determine if an individual or entity providing the service should be classified as an employee or an independent contractor (vendor). To comply with this IRS requirement, service providers are asked to complete a Service Provider Questionnaire each time they are hired to perform services.
2. If Cornell engages you as an independent contractor, the following must occur prior to the services being performed:
   1. You will receive a contract for services which must be signed and returned.
   2. If you are a new vendor for Cornell, you will receive an email invitation to register as a Cornell vendor using our online registration tool; your taxpayer identification number will be collected at this time.
   3. Depending on the nature of the service(s) provided, you may be required to provide proof of insurance. Please see Cornell's insurance requirements. Basically, Cornell requires:
      1. Commercial general or professional liability – depends on the type of service.
      2. Auto liability – when a vehicle is used as part of the services for other reason than your personal transportation.
      3. Worker’s compensation – when a vendor has employees.
      4. Cyber risk – for software development or installation; electronic storage (including cloud computing); or hosting, using, or accessing Cornell data.
   4. After the steps above have been completed, Cornell will issue a purchase order for the services, which will include the executed contract for services.
3. Upon completion of services, per the instructions on the purchase order submit your invoice to the following address:

Cornell Procurement and Payment Services
Accounts Payable
377 Pine Tree Road
Ithaca, NY 14850

Or email it to dfa-4040_invoice@cornell.edu

Please reference the purchase order number on the invoice.

If you have any questions, please contact Cornell Procurement Services.