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Incoming MTAs and DUAs

What SPO Manages

The Sponsored Projects Office (SPO) has delegated authority to manage incoming, research-related unfunded agreements that require institutional signature, including:

  • Incoming Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs)
  • Incoming Data Use Agreements (DUAs)
  • Other unfunded research agreements that require UC Merced institutional review and signature

Outgoing MTAs and DUAs are managed by the Office of Technology, Innovation and Industry Relations (OTIIR).

How to Route an Incoming MTA or DUA

When a collaborator asks a UC Merced faculty member to have the university sign an unfunded research agreement (such as an MTA or DUA), the PI or department should:

  1. Forward the draft agreement to spo@ucmerced.edu.
  2. Include any relevant context, such as the collaborator’s contact information and a brief description of the project.

SPO Review Process

1. Cayuse Record and Approvals

SPO creates a Cayuse proposal record for the transaction, even though it is not a traditional proposal. Cayuse serves as UC Merced’s official repository for research-related transactions and allows SPO to:

  • Capture key approvals
  • Document the scope of work
  • Track compliance and institutional review similar to funded proposals

2. Contract Review and Negotiation

A Contract and Grant Officer reviews the agreement to ensure the terms and conditions align with UC and UC Merced policies. If issues are identified, SPO negotiates revisions directly with the provider.

3. Coordination With Other Compliance Offices

SPO may coordinate with other units depending on the materials, data, or scope of work:

  • Research Compliance and Integrity (RCI)
  • Risk Services
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • OTIIR
  • Other compliance or safety offices as needed

In some cases, SPO may also need to collect Informed Participation Letters if the risk profile or agreement terms require it.

4. Execution and Distribution

Once all issues are resolved and approvals are in place:

  1. SPO arranges for institutional signature.
  2. The fully executed agreement is returned to the provider, with the PI copied.

Some templates require the PI to sign before obtaining the institutional signature. SPO will provide clear routing instructions in these situations.

For questions about incoming MTAs or DUAs, or to route a new agreement, please contact spo@ucmerced.edu.