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Execute an External Grant/Contract

Complete award review and negotiation.

Sponsored Research Contracts/Agreements

All sponsored research contracts/agreements are negotiated and executed by the Research Foundation for SUNY (RF) on behalf of SUNY Oswego. Representatives from RF Central Office in Albany are authorized signatories for RF on behalf of SUNY Oswego. Only authorized individuals may negotiate or sign contracts/agreements on behalf of the RF or the University. Principal Investigators (PI) and SUNY Oswego administrators are not authorized to sign agreements on behalf of the RF.

Staff members from ORSP coordinate negotiations with internal (Oswego and RF) and external stakeholders and sponsors. The Contract and Grant representative in Albany reviews terms and conditions for compliance with RF, federal regulations, and sponsor policies and procedures.

Before RF can sign any research agreement, the PI must resolve all compliance concerns, including:

  • Obtaining approvals from the IRB and IACUC
  • Having a completed annual conflict of interest disclosure on file

Throughout the negotiation process, ORSP staff will keep the PI updated via email on negotiation progress with the sponsor. ORSP staff will also request additional information and confirmation of the PI's ability to comply with project-specific contract/agreement requirements, as needed. Once finalized, ORSP staff will notify the PI that a fully executed contract/agreement is in place.

Timeline: The finalization process typically takes 4-8 weeks, but may take longer if complex terms exist or if RF Central Office has a high volume of reviews.

If you have requests or concerns regarding contract/agreement review and negotiation, please email [email protected].

Requesting an At-Risk Award

An at-risk award is an account established to allow expenditures before the receipt of a sponsor’s formal notification of award or fully executed agreement. At-risk awards must be requested and approved by the RF Operations Manager (or designee) before an at-risk account is created.

Considerations for Approval

  • Evidence exists that the sponsor will approve the award, or a final agreement is in process.
  • The at-risk award dates align with the sponsor’s anticipated award period.
  • Expenditures align with expected budget categories.
  • Backstopping funds are committed and obligated by the campus.

Generally, at-risk requests are approved for no more than 90 days. Extensions require a new request and an update from the sponsor regarding agreement status.

All regulatory requirements must be satisfied before project-related activity in regulated areas begins.

To request an at-risk account while awaiting the award document after formal sponsor notification, email Julie Marte and/or Maria Nakamura. Your request will be evaluated, and you will be notified if an at-risk award can be set up at that time.

Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

210 Sheldon Hall

8am - 4pm

Phone: 315-312-2888 

Email: [email protected]