Check contractor's references to ensure that the contractor can perform the work. In preparing the personal services contract, ensure that the statement of work or scope of services defines as precisely as possible the product of the contractor's work. Ensure that quality and value as received by the agency. Include a quality assurance plan or process to evaluate the contractors work. Eliminate conflicts of interest through competition where possible.
Some contracts require a competitive selection process.
Avoid allowing the contractor to steer the agency toward follow-on contracts. Avoid career contractors. Include a contract provision requiring the contractor to acknowledge the intent of the parties that the contractor is an independent contractor not a state employee for all purposes, including but not limited to the application of the Fair Labor Standards Act, Social Security Act, Federal Unemployment Tax Act, Federal Insurance Contribution Act, the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, Ohio tax law, workers' compensation law and unemployment insurance law. Take the time to develop a good Competitive Sealed Proposal or Request for Proposal. Much of its content can be incorporated into the contract and it will establish the parameters, scope of services, contract scope and renewal options of your selected contractor.