ICCA Standards and Practices

The ICCA used to find that the following were standards and practices that were expected of quality computer consultants by their peers. Consultants were not required to comply with these standards in all cases and specific circumstances hopefully were tempered by good judgment.

• Consultants will use a letter of intent or written contract for all substantial engagements.
• Consultants will insure that issues of ownership and use of the work product are clear before starting the contract.
• Consultants who are unable to professionally complete part or all of the contract, will be forthright and will offer to aid the client in finding resources to complete the contract satisfactorily.
• Consultants will strive to avoid improprieties, as well as the appearance of improprieties.
• Consultants will either attempt to transfer the knowledge to the client or else suggest that the clients secure a backup source of long term support.
• Consultants will devote a significant portion of time in continuing education.
• Consulting firms who use subcontractors can use a non-compete clause to restrict the subcontractors from working directly with their clients for a specified period of time. If the prime contractor uses a non-compete clause in their contracts, the term of the non-compete should be one year or less.
• Consulting firms will not compel independent computer consultants to work as employees when they prefer to work as independent contractors.
• ICCA member firms, their principals and employees will promote ethical behavior to member and non member consultants as well as the industry in general.