NICA’s tips for Instructors to ensure good and harmonious contracting practices with Schools!

Did you know?
The Tripartite Standard on Contracting with Self-Employed Persons (TS-SEP) is a national baseline of fair contracting practices between a freelancer and service buyer to address issue of payment-related disputes involving SEPs, which usually occur because (a) there is no written contract; or (b) the written contract lacks important terms and/or the terms are unclear. Government, as a service buyer, is an adopter of the Tripartite Standard and the terms and payment of products or services to be delivered are documented in writing.

Find out more here: https://www.tal.sg/tafep/media/press-releases/2018/tripartite-standard-on-contracting-with-self-employed-persons-launched

Fact: In GeBIZ, schools specify their job’s requirements, terms, and conditions in the Invitation to Quote / Tender document. An instructor risks being contractually penalized if he/she is awarded a job but fails to perform to the job specifications.

Must-Know #1
Contact and clarify with the school promptly if you have questions about the specifications for the job, e.g., how the school plans to use your materials. Price your offer and proposal accordingly.

Must-Know #2
If the timeline is tight, you can submit a realistic “base offer” for the job specifications AND an alternative offer that outlines your proposed changes to the specifications.

Must-Know #3
Only submit bids for the job if you can fulfill its specifications. The specifications include the job requirements, terms, and conditions and form part of the contractual agreement.

National Instructors and Coaches Association (NICA) is here to help!
If you require any work-related assistance on GeBIZ, you can reach out to us through our work advisory form at https://www.nica.org.sg/work-advisory/

Reference:

1. Freelancer’s Guide to Government Procurement Practices; produced by NTUC Freelancers and Self-employed Unit, in collaboration with Ministry of Finance. Link: https://www.ufse.org.sg/news/Debunk%20the%20Myths%20of%20Government%20Procurement%20Practices%20/
2. Tripartite Standard on Contracting with Self-Employed Persons (TS-SEP): https://www.tal.sg/tafep/media/press-releases/2018/tripartite-standard-on-contracting-with-self-employed-persons-launched