Allowability of Payment of Vouchers for Typing Services

A certifying officer of the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) requested an advance decision as to the propriety of payment of claims for typing services provided FWS in order for the agency to meet a project deadline. The certifying officer questioned the vouchers submitted since the contracts were for personal services, and questioned the propriety of payment under two of the vouchers since the purchase orders had only a rubber-stamped signature, as opposed to an original, hand-written signature. It was held that the relationship created was tantamount to that of employer-employee, and as such violated the general rule that personal services should not be obtained on a contractual basis. However, due to extenuating circumstances in this case, where according to the Acting Project Leader, it was impossible to accurately predict when the services of a typist would be required and, therfore, even an emergency 30-day hire could not be appointed, the vouchers may be paid. Also, vouchers may be paid on the basis of a facsimile signature if its use was authorized by the person whose name was imprinted on the voucher, and if agency procedures permit the use of facsimile signatures.