Business Contracts
Only select employees have signature authority to sign contracts, agreements, or purchase orders on behalf of The University of Texas at Austin. Contracts and agreement must comply with procurement procedures, and must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate institutional office prior to execution. No University employee, other than those with designated signature authority may sign agreements on behalf of The University.
When a full contract is required instead of a Purchase Order:
Multiple-year agreements
Foreign Individuals (vendor doesn’t have a U.S. tax ID)
Videographers
When signature required
Revenue generating agreements
Zero dollar agreements, MOUs
Software, software as a service (SaaS), technology
Whenever the vendor or contractor requires the University to agree to any terms and conditions
Recording a speaker/guest lecturer at an in-person event
Procedures for Submitting Business Contracts for Review, Approval, and Execution
1) Develop a contract that contains sufficient information to ensure your department receives the service or deliverable it is anticipating. The use of a Standard Business Agreement Templates and Forms will expedite the review and approval process. A contract a vendor provides can suffice but is not preferred.
2) Gather required supporting documentation when needed. Examples:
Completed and signed EAJ for contracts over $15k
EICCC for contracts with independent contractors
3) Submit contract and supporting documentation to UT Business Contracts Office (BCO) for review/signatures.
Use Contracts+ in UT Markets for units who have access
Units who don't have access to Contracts+ will use Contracts Submission Form, located on Business Affairs Forms Page
Standard Contract Processing Time
Type of Contract | Processing time from receipt of all required documentation |
UT template (no changes, no special handling) | Signed by University within 10 business days |
UT template, with changes (no special handling) | Signed by University within 10-12 business days |
Vendor Contract (no special handling) | Signed by University within 15 business days |
Special Handling Contracts | |
Affiliation agreement (UT template, no changes) | 10—15 business days |
Affiliation agreement (not on UT template) | 3-5 weeks |
UT template agreements over $1 million | 3-5 weeks (require President signature) |
Non-template agreements over $1 million | 4-7 weeks (require President signature) |
Software, with governing master agreement in place | 10-15 business days |
Software, no governing master agreement | 3-5 week minimum |
Foreign Agreements (non-governmental entity; on UT template with no changes) | 10-15 business days |
Foreign Agreements (non-governmental entity, non-UT template) | 1 month minimum |
Foreign Agreements (governmental entity) | Up to 6 months (require Board approval) |
Agreements over $5 million | Up to 6 months (require Board approval |
Resources
Business Contracts Office Website
Questions? Please contact geb-business@austin.utexas.edu