Reading Room Document

Liability of United States for Independent Contractors Performing Advance Work in Connection With the Official Travel of the President and Vice President

This document discusses the classification of advance personnel for the President or Vice President as federal employees under the Federal Tort Claims Act, despite being designated as independent contractors in their employment contracts. The conclusion reached is that these personnel should be considered employees under the Act, as they are hired and supervised by government employees and do not act independently. The document also recommends removing the term "independent" from the contract language and advises informing the advance personnel of their reporting responsibilities under the Federal Tort Claims Act. The questions presented for review include the effect of the contract language on the previous opinion, the classification of advance personnel as employees, and the reporting responsibilities of these personnel under the Act.

April 6, 1979