Research Contracts Risk Assessment Tool

The Research Contracts Risk Assessment (RCRA) tool is designed to assist researchers, investigators, and business and administrative personnel to manage the risk associated with research contracts and agreements.

The RCRA is not designed to replace legal advisors or the Research Office assistance but is designed to assist researchers and investigators work through the contractual issues to allow them to seek clearly an understanding of their responsibilities when entering or applying for grants etc.

When should you use the tool?

The RCRA should be used when reviewing contracts and agreements related to research to ensure that any analysis of the risk associated with agreeing to accept obligations on behalf of the University are reasonable and manageable.

Why should you use the tool?

The RCRA is a tool to guide and assist the user through the process of identifying the risk in any contract or agreement, and identifies when to seek further advice of other professionals.

Types of contracts that can be used by the tool

Most contractual arrangements that the University wishes to enter can utilise the concepts and information contained in this tool. Not all sections may be applicable but will be useful as an aid in identifying what sections may have been left out of contracts or agreements. It is a useful check for assessing the risk.

What does the Investigator want from the research they are contracting out?

The tool is helpful in identifying and understanding the contractual issues for a layperson. Therefore Investigators will find the tool handy in understanding commitments outside of the technical aspects of the research itself which may not have been thought about or understood.

USEFUL REFERENCES/TIPS

The Legal Office has prepared some useful reference material and tips for reviewing and negotiating contracts:

Reviewing the Contract
What to look for in a Contract
Negotiating Tips
Definitions (examples of terms and their meanings used in a contract)

RESEARCH CONTRACTS RISK ASSESSMENT TOOL - To access the tool click here. (The tool cannot be printed out; it is meant to be viewed on the screen using the interactive links contained within.)

As this is a new concept, your comments on the tool's usefulness and suggestions for improvement would be greatly appreciated. Please email all comments to the RMAO.