Subagreements
What is a Subagreement?
When is a subagreement appropriate?
Decision Matrix
What happens when I want or need to issue a subagreement?
What is a Subagreement?
A subagreement is a formal, legal document between San Diego State University Research Foundation (“SDSURF”) and another legal entity for the purpose of:
- Assigning a specific portion of the scope of work that is integral to the outcome of the project to another entity (“the subrecipient”) to fulfill; work is performed by the subrecipient’s personnel using the subrecipient’s resources, typically at the subrecipient’s institution or affiliated location;
- Applicable prime award terms and sponsor conditions are incorporated in the subagreement. By signing the subagreement, the subrecipient agrees to comply (e.g. carry forward, rebudgeting, compliance issues, record retention, etc.) with terms and conditions
The awarding agency holds the primary award recipient (SDSU Research Foundation) responsible for the entire scope of work, including any portion assigned to a subrecipient.
When is a subagreement appropriate?
A subagreement may be appropriate if any of the following applies:
- The proposed subrecipient’s statement of work represents a significant portion of the programmatic effort of the overall project
- The proposed subrecipient will have responsibility for programmatic decision-making related to their scope of work
- There is an identified principal investigator for the proposed subrecipient and the individual is a co-investigator on the SDSU Research Foundation proposal
- The proposed subrecipient’s work will result in intellectual property developed
- Publications are anticipated from the proposed subrecipient; individuals at the proposed subrecipient institution will be co-authors on publications
- The proposed subrecipient will require animal and/or human subject approval for its portion of the work
- The proposed subrecipient will provide cost-sharing or matching funds
Decision Matrix
| Department | Procurement Mechanism | Process for Initiation |
|---|---|---|
| SRCC Department | Subagreement issued to another entity for collaborative research | Contact your SRCC Analyst or SRA Administrator |
| SRCC Department | Subagreement issued to another entity for non-commercial or non-standard research related services | Contact your SRCC Analyst or SRA Administrator |
| SRA Department | Purchase Order | Contact your SRA Administrator |
| SRA Department | Vendor Agreement | SRA/Grant Specialist Directory (Login with SDSU ID required) |
What happens when I want or need to issue a subagreement?
The subagreement preparation and activation process is carried out by SDSURF’s Contracting and Compliance department in consultation with the PI, Prime Sponsoring Agency, Sponsored Research Administration, and as needed, other offices involved in policy and regulatory matters.
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