Where can I find a work contract template to use for contract work...?

[maxpr]

I need a good (preferably free :)) work contract template in Word or PDF format to give to a programmer for some contract web work. I have not chosen someone to do it yet but I would like to get it taken care of ASAP.

I live in the US, Texas specifically, if that helps, though I assume if the language is right in the document it should be close enough to be legally enforceable.

I would like to set up concrete dates for completion of specific parts of the project as well as a payment schedule as well (that is based on completed work and not the time table but will in some way make the time table enforceable). In other words, I want to force the programmer into keeping my project off the ill-fated "back-burner" if they decide they want to work on other things.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[maxpr]

No answers eh?

:(

[DaveinHackensack]

My programmers gave me a contract, which I edited. My technical consultant also gave me a contract. Generally, if someone does work for you, I think they should provide you with the contract. The exception would be an NDA, which you would provide them.

[Marcie]

Sorry to hijack a bit but since Dave brought it up, I have been negotiating with a programmer for a large project I am working on and he is asking me for a work agreement prior to giving me cost estimate. Is that normal? It is a big project and apparently it will take a lot of time to prepare an estimate...

In the mean time, I found a template here http://www.csb.uncw.edu/people/eversp/classes/BLA361/OtherMtls/Certificate/Standard%20Employment%20Agreement.doc

if you want something to start with...

[DaveinHackensack]

Marcie,

Proper sequence should go like this, in my experience (and in my opinion):

1) You describe what you want to the programmer in general terms.

2) He prepares a proposal for you, including a price quote.

3) If you agree to that, you ask him to send you a contract.

4) You edit and revise the contract to make sure everything you want is in it.

5) You both agree to the revisions and sign. You give him the deposit and he starts working on your project.

[Marcie]

Thanks, Dave. Technically I know this, but I think he is trying to say since it's so big, he'll have to spend a lot of time sizing & pricing...“I won’t do the technical requirements definition so that a quote can be created without compensation” :(

[kamakiri]

Sounds like it is time to bag that guy Marcie. You don't bring your car to the shop and pay for an estimate, then decide to do the work.

Don't forget who the customer here is or that there are a thousand out of work web programmers.

@Max - Where are you having the work done? It seems like you have it backward as well. For your first project of this nature, you are probably better off using Elance. They have an entire system set up for exactly this situation. It includes escrow that you fund and payments that you can release as certain mile stones are reached. The whole process is simple and intuitive, and must be agreed upon before hand by both parties before you even begin.

[DaveinHackensack]

Marcie,

My developers don't charge for proposals. Feel free to contact me (http://launchinginnovation.com/work-with-me) and I'll put you in touch with them. Worst case scenario, you reject their proposal and you're not out any money.

[maxpr]

Sounds like it is time to bag that guy Marcie. You don't bring your car to the shop and pay for an estimate, then decide to do the work.

Don't forget who the customer here is or that there are a thousand out of work web programmers.

@Max - Where are you having the work done? It seems like you have it backward as well. For your first project of this nature, you are probably better off using Elance. They have an entire system set up for exactly this situation. It includes escrow that you fund and payments that you can release as certain mile stones are reached. The whole process is simple and intuitive, and must be agreed upon before hand by both parties before you even begin.

I have learned in the past that managing people remotely via Elance is a major pain in the A. Especially foreign providers. BUT I did use it this time to find someone locally, that *might* be doing some work for me.

I have also used craigslist to find a programmer.

All in all, I had about the same experience. Both negative and time-consuming.

So, this time I am going totally local, even if the project is difficult, so I can push (legally, if need be) my contractor into completing my project on MY schedule.

Only problem is I wanted a legally enforceable work contract so that I can protect myself, my money and most importantly MY time! That is the hardest part about working with contractors is that you are just a step on the ladder but meanwhile your project they are completing is the most important thing to you but to them you are just another minor customer/project.

Also, I need a contract that gives me some flexibility, say a 20-25% change of scope cushion (because as we all know many, many, many minor details can change during project completion).