Purchasing through Collaboration Contracts

Posted on by
Title: Purchasing through Collaboration Contracts
Policy Owner: Procurement Services
Applies to: Faculty and Staff
Campus Applicability: All campuses, including UConn Health
Effective Date: November 1, 2017
For More Information, Contact AVP & Chief Procurement Officer
Contact Information: (860) 486-2619
Official Website: https://procurement.uconn.edu/

REASON FOR POLICY

Most of UConn’s purchases are made simply to acquire good or services.  But in some instances purchases are made in the context of a broader collaboration with another higher education institution, a nonprofit organization, or an industry partner. This Policy is established pursuant to Section 2(b)(1)(C) and Section 3 of Public Act 17-130, which authorizes UConn to develop policies for purchases that are made as part of a Collaboration Contract (defined below).

The purpose of this Policy is to establish a framework for procedures pursuant to which UConn can enter into Collaboration Contracts.  Collaboration Contracts assist UConn in pursuing its teaching, research, clinical, public service, and economic development missions. Those missions are vital to discovery, innovation, and job creation in the State of Connecticut. Making purchases effectively and prudently in the context of Collaboration Contracts will help UConn to fulfill its missions. It will also help UConn more successfully compete with other institutions for Collaboration Contracts.

APPLIES TO

Faculty and staff on all campuses, including UConn Health.

DEFINITIONS

“Collaboration Contracts” are contracts described in Section 2(b)(1)(C) of Public Act 17-130, which are contracts in which the other party agrees to provide UConn with at least two of the following: (i) philanthropic support, (ii) sponsored research, (iii) research collaborations, (iv) employment opportunities for students, or (v) some other substantial value to UConn or the state.

“Collaborator” is UConn’s counterparty under a Collaboration Contract.

“Purchase” is the purchase of equipment, supplies, or services, or the lease of personal property.

“Simplified Acquisition Threshold” is a threshold set by the Federal Government for purchasing goods and services in a simplified manner that, as stated in Section 13.002 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations, “[p]romote[s] efficiency and economy in contracting” and “avoid[s] unnecessary burdens.” The Simplified Acquisition Threshold is set in Subpart 2.1 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations and is currently $150,000.

POLICY STATEMENT

  1. The President or the President’s designee shall adopt procedures for entering into Collaboration Contracts, including identifying Collaborators. Such procedures shall be consistent with this Policy.
  2. UConn shall enter into Collaboration Contracts and make Purchases from Collaborators in a manner consistent with applicable law, provided that the following shall be exempt from CGS §10a-151b(b) and regulations adopted pursuant to CGS §4e-47:
    1. Purchases through a Collaboration Contract under which both (i) the Collaborator’s contributions have substantial market value and (ii) such market value, plus any other benefits the Collaboration Contract will provide UConn, is expected to exceed UConn’s expenditures.
    2. Purchases up to the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. UConn shall request quotations from at least three prospective vendors before making such purchases.
  3. The procedures adopted pursuant this Policy shall include a method for reporting any contract exempted under Paragraph B of this Policy that is entered into or amended. As required by Section 3(b) of Public Act 17-130, not later than January 1, 2018, and annually thereafter, such report shall be submitted to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education and government administration.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this Policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Procurement- Sourcing Procedure 3.1

POLICY HISTORY

Approved by the Board of Trustees, November 1, 2017