Division of Biology and Medicine

Division Agreements and Contracting

Breadcrumb

A contract is an agreement that parties enter into with the intent to be bound by the terms of the agreement.  Although certain contracts can be oral, the University requires that all contracts entered into on behalf of the University must be in writing and signed by an authorized signatory of the University.

There are several types of agreements that researchers, faculty, and administrators may encounter. This includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Professional services 
  • Non grant funded research
  • Salary support
  • Release time
  • Reversed release time when Brown is the contractor and more

For all contracts, please fill out the BioMed Contract Intake Form or email BioMed_Contracts@brown.edu

Best Practices with Contracts and/or Agreeements

Before submitting a contract request, have you:

  • Confirmed finances ?
  • Submitted SOA (if applicable)?
  • Sent the Supplier registration link to the vendor?
  • Asked if the individual is on a visa?

It is best practice to obtain the Division signature last, after the other party has signed. Please refer to the signature authority document or email BioMed_Contracts@brown.edu if you have questions on who is authorized to sign an agreement. Please refer to the Delegation of Signature Authority for Contracts

Types of Agreements

General Services Agreement - To be used when services are for one time and under $3000, can be for company or individual

Release Time Agreement (RTA) - A release time or “buy out” agreement is similar to a Professional Services Agreement (PSA).  It is an agreement between Brown and an entity, such as a hospital, foundation, or company, through which the entity agrees to release a percentage of its employee’s effort to Brown University at a rate based on the employee’s contracted time. The agreement includes details regarding the scope of work, the individual’s Brown-related responsibilities, the percent of time and length of time the individual will be serving in the contracted role for Brown, and the applicable cost center covering the cost of the agreement.  Under this type of agreement, Brown pays the entity directly; the individual will not receive payment from Brown.

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