7. Authorized Signatures
Principle
All documents that obligate Iowa State University personnel, facilities,
intellectual property, or other resources in any way require an authorized ISU
signature to ensure that appropriate policies, procedures and legal
requirements have been addressed and a signature from the principal
investigator indicating he/she understands and agrees with the terms and
conditions.
Guidelines
With regard to sponsored agreements, intellectual property management, and other
collaborative agreements, the responsibility for compliance resides with
designated ISU signatories. The Office of Sponsored Programs Administration
(OSPA) is the designated signatory for documents related to externally funded
projects and other collaborative agreements, such as confidentiality, material
transfer, and professional services agreements. The ISU Research Foundation
(ISURF) is the designated signatory for documents such as confidentiality,
material transfer, research, and license agreements related to intellectual
property disclosed to that office. When applicable, signatures from both OSPA
and ISURF are required. These offices coordinate this activity.
In addition to the required, authorized ISU signature, the Principal
Investigators (PIs) sign agreements. This signature provides acknowledgement
that the PI has accepted the terms and conditions of the agreement and approves
the scope of work. Department and College procedures govern whether the Deans,
Directors, and/or Department Chairs should also sign the agreements. The PI is
responsible for informing all persons working on the project of the terms and
conditions of the agreement and their obligation to comply.
The Sponsor will also have an authorized signatory to the agreement. Very often,
the sponsor’s authorized signatory is not the technical contact for the
agreement.