Contract Review and Approval

The information below applies to Wake Forest University contracts and award agreements for new external funding, subcontracts/subawards, material transfer agreements, data use agreements, confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements, and other agreements related to research. Licensing agreements are negotiated by Wake Forest Innovations. If you have a contract that needs to be reviewed and signed, please email it to .

The University’s Contract and Spend Authority Administrative Policy and Procedure authorizes certain individuals within the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to sign research-related agreements on behalf of the University.  Under this policy and procedure, the following individuals are authorized to sign agreements related to research and sponsored programs:

    Amy Comer (up to $10,000)

    Lori Gabriel (up to $750,000)

    Kim McAllister (up to $1M*)

*ORSP will coordinate getting the signature on agreements over $1M

Please note that this policy and procedure may change over time.  For the most up-to-date details regarding parameters for review and signing of contracts on behalf of the University, please consult the policy and procedure directly.

When possible WFU or FDP (Federal Demonstration Partnership) templates will be used to minimize the need for negotiating terms and conditions.

Researchers should allow at least two weeks for contract review and negotiation. Ultimate review time required may vary depending on the complexity of the contract.

Agreements that required additional review:

• Any agreement over $250,000 must be approved as to legality, form, and compliance with University policies by the Office of General Counsel.  The Contract and Spend Authority Policy and Procedure provide other circumstances under which Office of General Counsel review is required.

• The Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer is required to review any agreement with a foreign government or foreign entity, or if the contract involves the sharing or receipt of sensitive or confidential information outside of the United States.  The Contract and Spend Authority details circumstances under which contracts may require review by other University offices.

Agreements not related to research projects, for example, equipment service contracts, will be reviewed by the Contracts Administrator in Procurement. A Contract Intake Form must be submitted.