Time: 1:30pm to 5:00pm
Content level: Intermediate
Successful contract negotiating is not just knowing how to recognize problematic clauses and provide alternate language but understanding and explaining the nuances in different language to multiple stakeholders: sponsors, senior administration and principal investigators. It is imperative to recognize that contracts are not just a list of stand-alone clauses but how those clauses collectively create the entirety of the contractual relationship. The art of negotiation goes way beyond arguing for “your language” which without communication can often be viewed as simply arguing about changing “happy” to “glad”. Research administration negotiators are often the go-between among the sponsor, legal counsel, senior management and the principal investigator. This workshop will focus on the negotiation phase and incorporate experiential learning where participants will learn how to enlist successful negotiation tactics. The presenters will collaborate with participants to discuss tips related to communicating with multiple constituencies, reasons for alternative contract language and going beyond what is not-acceptable, resulting in a fully executed agreement.
Learning objectives:
- Explain exceptions to contractual language to multiple constituencies including sponsors.
- Incorporate best practices for contract negotiation.
Prerequisites:Yes. This session is best suited for those with some contract review experience.
Speaker(s):
Susan Sedwick, PhD, CRA, CSM, Senior Consulting Specialist, Attain, LLC; Sandra Nordahl, Director, SR Contracting and Compliance and Facility Security Officer San Diego State University Research Foundation; Mindy Solivan Assistant Director, Office of Research University of Central Florida