Contracts Administration
Cobblestone Contract Insight Login
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
The objective of SMU's Contract Administration is to assist the University by efficiently managing contract processing in a professional and prompt manner, while also ensuring adherence to policies and procedures. To ensure that all SMU contracts receive the necessary review and approval from the designated individuals, it is imperative that all contracts be directed through the Contract Administration process.
The goals of the Contract Administration is to:
- process contracts in a timely and cost effective manner
- maintain standard contract templates for use across campus
- provide constructive input on legal contract documents relating to purchasing items, conditions, indemnification, intellectual property, etc.
- manage complex processes across functions, including legal and risk
- address vendor performance issues
- manage the contract tracking software
What is a contract?
A contract is an agreement between two or more parties with a shared understanding of the terms, mutual obligations, and legal considerations. A contract may be called several different things: a memorandum of understanding, an agreement, an electronic agreement, a memorandum of agreement, etc. A document may be considered a contract even if SMU is not paying anything or receiving service (ex. non-disclosure agreements). While contracts can technically be oral, SMU requires that all SMU contracts be in writing. If you question whether the document you are reviewing is a contract, please contact your department’s Contract Lead or melanieb@smu.edu.
Contract Templates
Under specific conditions, utilizing an SMU Standard Contract Template is the recommended approach for acquiring goods, services, or engaging in other types of agreements. Kindly reach out to your Contract Lead at melanieb@smu.edu or ola@smu.edu to obtain the relevant SMU Standard Template.
Independent Contractors
Changes to current process implemented for 2017 services
- Classification will be determined by the Tax Department
- Revised checklist for services performed in 2017 (see link below)
- Section A - Drop down features for some fields on electronic form
- Sections B and C - Changes to questions
- Section D – Statement of work required
- Section D – Specific dates of services require that if a date range is entered that the number of times worker will be used, estimated dates of service and total expected costs must be provided
A statement of work is a document that lists the project-specific activities, deliverables, and timelines for an individual providing service to SMU. Below are tips to writing a statement work and also an optional statement of work template.
Tips - Writing a Statement of Work
Review the SMU Policy
Policy on Contracts and Commitments
A central contract lead will facilitate the process for specific areas on campus. These identified employees are called Contract Leads and will receive specialized training on the administration software and best practices. They will also become part of a community of practice to share information and learn from each other. Contract leads will work with their area to process and track the contracts.
Contract leads are identified as:
Athletics |
Darius Maize Nathanial Vaji - Athletic Facilities |
Business Finance |
Sandra Tefft - Office of Facilities Planning and Management Kristine Reiley (McFarlin Auditorium) |
Cox School of Business |
Catherine Collins |
Dedman College |
Cindy Havens |
Dedman School of Law |
Pamela Gray Hodge |
Development and External Affairs |
Cchea Nugent |
Lyle School of Engineering
|
Jason Bradberry |
Meadows School of the Arts |
Cassina Scuefield Patrick Jeffreys - DataArts |
Meadows Museum |
Faith Wagner Anne Lenhart Robin Linek |
Moody College |
Jean Nixon |
Office of Information Technology |
Jacqueline McKethan |
Office of Research Administration |
Albert Azagra-Malo Angie Trevino Mary Moua |
Perkins School of Theology |
Andy Keck |
Provost |
Daniel Eady Kimberly Rutigliano (CAPE) |
Simmons School of Education and Human Development |
Becky Hood Pamela Bailey (Core) |
SMU Libraries |
Scott Martin Breanna Webb |
Student Affairs |
Reyna Munoz Loren Scott (RLSH) Scott Nelson (RLSH Backup) Michael Hogan (Health Center) Bonnie Hainline (Dedman Rec) Chanita Carson (Hughes Trigg) |
Treasurer |
Dianne Jopling |
Contracts Metrics
Links to OE2C Initiative Blog Posts:
Contract Administration Inititative Mission
Contracts Initiative Announces Process Improvements
Contract Administration Initiative Completes Diagnostic Phase and Begins Design Work
Contract Administration Initiative Completes Diagnostic Phase and Begins Design Work
Contract Administration: New initiative to update policies, streamline process
New Contract Initiative Makes for Smoother Processing at SMU
Contact Us:
Melanie Bailey, Senior Contracts Administrator: 214-768-1294 or melanieb@smu.edu.