Typically, the party providing data/materials determines the appropriate form of agreement for that transfer; and, although very uncommon, there are times when the providing party determines that no contract is needed in order to transfer data/materials.
If you would like to receive data/materials from a colleague, and your colleague states that no contract is needed, here is what you should do:
· Keep in mind that, while your colleague is willing to provide the data/materials with no contract, his/her institution might not be willing to do so.
· Ask your colleague to provide a letter or email from his/her authorized institutional representative (i.e., Office of Sponsored Programs or equivalent) stating that no contract is needed for the transfer.
· Save a copy of the letter or email confirming that no contract is needed for your records – this way, if there is any dispute later on, you have proof of how you obtained the data/materials. You can also use your copy to satisfy any compliance office inquiries.
If your inquiry results in the need for a contract, visit the Office of Sponsored Programs website and complete a submission for a new contract. And, as always, if you need any help navigating this issue, please contact the Clinical and Corporate Contract Services Team at clincorp@pitt.edu or 412-624-7400.