On this page:
- What is the purpose of reviewing awards?
- What kinds of things are included in agreements?
- Are project directors involved in this process?
- How long does the process take?
- What if an agreement is sent to me or my department directly?
- What happens when the agreement is accepted?
- Contact Information
What is the purpose of reviewing awards?
back to topAll grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements awarded to Indiana University are reviewed to make certain that each agreement is supportive of IU's mission and that the rights of the researchers are protected. Because Indiana University (not the school, department, center, or individual faculty member) is the legal entity for all awards, there is a process for central review of incoming awards to ensure that Indiana University can accept any conditions imposed on the award.
What kinds of things are included in agreements?
back to topEach agreement is different. Some are very simple, and some are very complex and require significant negotiating to reach agreement between IU and the sponsor. Some of the issues we look for on behalf of the project director and IU include: an adequate work statement, an appropriate time period, the amount of funding and cash flow, protection of intellectual property, protection of faculty and student rights to publish, and other fiscal and legal matters.
Are project directors involved in this process?
back to topThey can be. Project directors are often asked to review the agreement to make sure the work statement in particular appropriately describes the project they'll be doing. If the sponsor awards a dollar amount different from the amount requested in the original proposal, the project director will be asked to prepare a revised budget to reflect the awarded amount. The award negotiators will also be in touch with faculty if there are other questions or to report on progress if the negotiation is ongoing. Project directors always receive a copy of the final award document.
How long does the process take?
back to topIt depends. Grants from the Federal government are usually standard and can be processed quickly. Contracts from the Federal government and industry are frequently complex and can take weeks to complete.
What if an agreement is sent to me or my department directly?
back to topPlease don't sign it or deposit any accompanying check! Only those who have been delegated signature authority by the University Treasurer are authorized to sign these agreements. More importantly, the research offices have vast amounts of experience in dealing with agencies to negotiate fair and reasonable terms. However, at the same time, we are always careful to preserve the goodwill that the researcher has nurtured with the sponsoring agency in bringing the agreement to fruition. If you receive an agreement and/or check in this manner, please forward them to Sponsored Research Services.
What happens when the agreement is accepted?
back to topThe original documents are sent to Contract and Grant Administration where the account is established and monitored through the life of the project. A copy of the award document is also sent to the project director. Please note that a University account can be established in advance of a fully executed agreement if the department, school, or center chooses to underwrite the account.
Contact Information
back to topSponsored
Research Services
Carmichael Center, Suite L03
530 East Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47408-4003
Phone: (812) 855-0516
Fax: (812) 855-9943
E-mail: rugs@indiana.edu
