Opinion ID: 13423
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Applying the Law to Solomon

Text: 17 Considering the above factors in relation to Solomon, who is a professional, we agree with the district court that he is an independent contractor. The value of Solomon's work derives from his education and skill. The evidence does not suggest that the services of the type supplied by Solomon are typically supplied by an employee in the relevant locale. Solomon supplies the materials upon which his seminars are based. His affiliation with the ATF has been for a period of years, but other than the seminars, it has been on an as-needed basis with no regular or set hours. He is a full-time employee of the Washington State Patrol, not the federal government. Although Solomon was paid by the hour, his professional services are a type that is commonly measured by the hour, rather than by the job; this factor therefore has little weight in determining whether he is an employee. Additionally, the Blanket Purchase Agreement does not set any price for Solomon's services; it only requires that the government get at least the best price he offers to anyone. His services are not part of the ATF's regular business, and the ATF, according to the stipulated facts, did not consider him an employee. All of these factors taken together demonstrate that Solomon is an independent contractor and not an employee of the United States. 18 In Broussard, this court held that a doctor employed by an independent contractor to the federal government is not an employee of the federal government. 989 F.2d at 176. Solomon argues that because he is not like the doctor in Broussard (i.e., he is paid directly by the government, the government selected him, and his contract does not explicitly deny the government supervisory control), he is an employee. However, the government selects its independent contractors and would be expected to pay them directly. To accept his argument would suggest that individuals are rarely independent contractors. Additionally, the Restatement describes the extent of control as determined by agreement. RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF AGENCY, supra, § 220(2)(a) (the extent of control which, by the agreement, the master may exercise over the details of the work); id. cmt. h (an agreement for close supervision or de facto close supervision of the servant's work). In Solomon's case, his contract is silent on control, which suggests an independent contractor relationship under the Restatement.