Welcome to Research Contracts at the University of Canberra. This site provides information to staff on services provided by the Contracts Management Unit (CMU) of the Research Services Office, the contract activity stages and documentations needed as shown in the Research Contracts Process Flowchart.

The RSO Contracts Management Unit will:

• ASSIST:
  - in the processing, negotiation and management of all research related contracts, including contract variations
  - assist in the completion and processing of proposal/tenders for research projects/consultancies
• provide ADVICE on issues such as costing and pricing of research projects/consultancies and completion of project budgets
• IDENTIFY and provide ADVICE to minimise risk in the undertaking of research projects or consultancies
• DEVELOP standard agreements and contract templates
• CONDUCT one-on-one training in contract drafting
• SECURE appropriate signatory approval from the University and external party delegates
• MAINTAIN a Contracts Register and Stakeholder Register

It is important to note that individual researchers are not authorised to sign Agreements and/or Contracts that bind the University. Only the Vice- Chancellor or the delegates authorized under UC’s Financial Delegation Policy can enter into research contracts on behalf of the University.

Types of contracts:

1. Consortium agreements
2. Tenders for research projects and/or consultancy
3. Research funding agreements
4. Multi-party agreements
5. Scholarship agreements
6. Research consultancy agreements
7. Material transfer agreements
8. Confidentiality agreements
9. Consortium agreements
10. Contract variations

Research Contracts Activity Stages:

A step-by-step guide to the preparation, submission, review and ongoing management of your research contract/agreement is presented under 3 Activity Stages which the CMU undertakes in conjunction with the researcher and the relevant Faculty Business Manager and Dean, who are kept informed of the developments.

Stage 1: Applications, Tenders or Proposals

Stage 2: Contract Negotiation, Processing & Execution

Stage 3: Post-Contract Administration