An experienced member wrote us about how Microsoft engages contractors:

About 10 or 12 years ago a class action lawsuit was filed against Microsoft by many of their contractors, who functioned as employees but didn't reap any of the benefits. Microsoft settled the case and also agreed to change the way they work with contractors.

Now there are two types of contractors. The first type consists of those who work on campus and who have an office, a telephone, and computer equipment assigned to them. These kinds of contractors (called "a dashes" because the first two characters of their alias/userID are a-) can work only 365 days at a time--then they have to take a 100-day break.

The second type of contractor consists of those who are (supposedly) engaged for specific projects. They are not supposed to work on campus (although they may attend meetings, etc.) and should not have an office or telephone assigned to them. These contractors are called "v dashes" because the first two characters of their alias/userID are v-. There are no restrictions on how long a "v dash" can work for Microsoft.

I'm fairly certain that Volt can provide both types of contractors, although some agencies have standing to provide only one kind or the other.