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UM Research Relations with Sponsors
What follows is an abreviated version of the fuller discussions of working with sponsors, which can be reached from the links above.
Research Relations with Federal Agencies
The federal government mandates that a central unit at the University administer the paperwork involved in the initiation of sponsored activities, provide the required certifications and representations on behalf of the University, receive and document awards, carry out the subsequent follow-up on the administration of the projects, approve budget adjustments and time extensions, and conduct the final project close-out. These administrative tasks require a professional staff with broad knowledge of the regulations of federal agencies and a support staff to maintain the extensive records required by federal sponsors.
The DRDA staff maintains extensive information about federal programs and their deadlines and has developed agency liaisons to assist faculty in making appropriate contacts. The DRDA staff reviews proposals, assists with formats, presentations, and budgets, reviews grants, negotiates agreements, and processes all awards to Financial Operations. DRDA staff provides mediation services between the University and federal sponsors at all stages of the sponsored activities.
More on working with [federal agencies].
Federal Demonstration Partnership
A primary objective of the Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP), is to "eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens on sponsored research and to enhance research productivity" by permitting certain changes to be made that formerly required sponsor approval. More on the FDP.
Research with Foundations, Public Charities, and Other Nonprofit Organizations
DRDA is responsible for maintaining sponsored research relations with private foundations, public charities, and other nonprofit organizations. While some 50,000 foundations and several hundred public charities operate in the United States, most foundations are not appropriate sponsors of university research. However, the programs and activities of about 450 organizations are closely monitored by DRDA, which provides proposal development and grant administrative services to faculty members wishing to work with these organizations. Efforts are made to keep informed regarding the activities of private foundations and to serve as a point of contact for any nonprofit organization seeking to access the various services available through the University. For further information call or visit Julie Feldkamp (feldkamp@umich.edu) at the Wolverine Tower, 3003 South State Street, 763-4522.
More on working with [Foundations].
Research Relations with Industry
DRDA is responsible for maintaining sponsored research relations between the University and industry. Proposal development and contract negotiation services are provided by DRDA to faculty members wishing to work with industrial organizations. Efforts are made to keep Michigan industry informed of University research activities of interest and to serve as a point of contact for any industrial organization wishing to take advantage of the various services available through the University. In cooperation with the faculty, research staff, and the various units of the University, DRDA works to achieve more meaningful University-industry relations. Further information can be obtained by calling 764-7250 or visiting the DRDA Project Representatives for industry sponsors at the Wolverine Tower, 3003 South State Street.
Industrial Affiliates
Programs for industrial affiliates can be established to gain support from business and industry for broadly defined research or other programs of interest to the member organizations. In addition to research affiliations, members may also be involved in an advisory capacity and interact with senior faculty and leadership of the unit.
For futher information concerning the services provided by DRDA and the CFR office to assist in establishing of industrial affiliate and partnership programs, contact Marvin Parnes, 764-7230 (mgparnes@umich.edu) or the Associate Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations, 647-6077. .
[More on working with Industry]
Research Relations with The State of Michigan and Local Governments
DRDA maintains an office responsible for sponsored relations between the University and State and local governments. Research and other sponsored activities are monitored by DRDA which provides proposal development and grant administrative services to faculty and staff seeking support from state and local government agencies. DRDA serves as a point of contact for any State and local government agency wishing access the various services available through the University.
The State of Michigan has 18 executive departments, 83 counties, 534 municipalities, and 1242 townships. Efforts are made to keep informed of opportunities with state/local govern-ments and to keep them informed of the contributions University personnel can make to their research and public service needs. Due to the number of state departments and numerous localities, agreement formats offered by state/local governments vary considerably and may contain provisions that are inconsistent with the policies of the University. Therefore, it is essential that each agreement be reviewed by DRDA prior to acceptance or initiation of work.
Subject to general policies and procedures of the University, discussions regarding the technical statement of work should be carried out by the faculty member who will serve as Project Director. However, faculty members are not authorized to negotiate the general terms and conditions of agreements, but should refer such negotiations to DRDA. For further information call or visit Gayle C. Jackson, Room 1038, Wolverine Tower, 3003 South State Street, 764-7243 (gjackson@umich.edu).