Administering Research Contracts
This publication delves into many of the issues associated with the administration of research contracts. It looks at how contracts differ from grants, from both federal and legal perspectives. It covers the structure of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and how it can be used to a research administrator’s advantage when negotiating federal contracts. It looks at some of the special challenges that can arise in negotiating contracts with government agencies and with the private sector, including subcontracts of federal funds via the private sector.
(22 pages, PDF)
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Table of Contents
What is a ‘Contract’?
Staffing and Communications
Effective Communications
Resources Required
Contracts at the Proposal Stage
Exceptions to Contract Terms
Representations and Certifications
Subcontracting Plan
Contracts and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
Structure of the FAR
FAR Numbering System
Looking Up FAR Clauses
Contracts at the Negotiation/Execution Stage
Fixed-Price vs. Cost-Reimbursement Contracts
Terms and Conditions
Termination
Equipment
Cost Principles
Administrative Requirements
Subcontracts
Period of Performance
Audit Requirements
Negotiations
Contracts After the Award
FAR Clauses often seen in contracts
Stop-Work Order
Contracts with the Private Sector
Private-Sector Contracts under Private Funding
Private-Sector Contracts under Federal Funding
Inventions under Federal Subcontracts
Special Issues for Small Institutions
Conclusion
David Mayo is Director of Sponsored Research at the California Institute of Technology, where he has worked since 2002. In this capacity David is responsible for the overall operations of the Office of Sponsored Research, including submission of proposals for sponsored programs, negotiation and administration of complex sponsored awards, review and interpretation of existing and emerging federal and state policies and regulations, development and implementation of campus policies and procedures, and training programs for campus staff in sponsored programs administration.
David is a well-respected expert in contracting and the FAR. He has received multiple honors including NCURA’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research Administration in 2012, Distinguished Service Award in 2010 and he was recognized as an NCURA Distinguished Educator in 2016.
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