Contract Administration

TCU Paying for Goods and/or Services

A written contract is required when a member of the TCU community needs to secure services (including the purchase of goods that require installation, service, and/or maintenance) on behalf of the University. A written contract sets expectations, rights, and obligations for both TCU and the supplier and protects TCU’s interests.

Supplier documents may not be labeled “contract,” but still contain the essential elements of a contract, such as an obligation to perform and payment. Examples of these documents include quotes, proposals, letter agreements, memorandum of understanding, statement of work (SOW), and even invoices.

Important contract elements include price, quantity, and description of services, as well as the dates of service. Additionally, TCU often requires insurance protection and indemnification from a supplier to protect the University in the event of a claim or lawsuit. As a private university and depending on the type of service, suppliers may be required to provide services in accordance with laws governing education records (FERPA) and sensitive personal information (SPI) of our students, faculty, and staff; provide deliverables in a digitally accessible manner; and comply with TCU’s marketing and brand standards.

Non-Monetary Education Affiliation, Revenue, & Intellectual Property Contracts

There are also many other types of contracts related to TCU business and for which a TCU Authorized Signatory is required. These may include educational affiliation, revenue‐generating arrangements, use of trademarks, sharing confidential information, and TCU consultation to third parties.

If you have not received a signature authority delegation memorandum from the Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, then you have NO authority to sign a contract related in any way to TCU business.

An employee who signs a TCU contract without the appropriate signature authority assumes personal liability for the contract.