Policies & Procedures

About Research Administration at GSU

Policies and Procedures for Research and Sponsored Programs

Policies and Procedures for Research and Sponsored Programs

Consulting Agreements for Sponsored Programs

Background

Consultants are independent contractors and not employees or agents of the University.  Except under unique circumstances, current Georgia Southern employees may not serve as independent contractors under consulting agreements with the University. 

Agreements to secure the services of a consultant are established when the services required are highly specialized or professional expertise, which cannot otherwise be performed satisfactorily by existing University personnel during the course of their assigned responsibilities. 

Consulting agreements are contracts which bind both the consultant and the University.  Like any contract, consulting agreements and any changes thereto require the signature of the Authorized Officials of both parties.  For consulting under sponsored agreements, the Office of Research Services and Sponsored Programs establishes agreements and ensures compliance with all applicable sponsor and University requirements. 

Consulting agreements supported under non-sponsored funds must first be approved by the University Controller's Office and once approved, should be contracted in accordance with University Procurement Policy.  The Division of Procurement and Contract Services provides guidance regarding determination and procurement procedures as they relate to the purchase of outside personal services. 

Procedure

To engage the services of a consultant under sponsored agreements, contact your Grant Coordinator within the ORSSP.  Please provide the Grant Coordinator with the consultant's resume/curriculum vitae.  Include the consultant's Social Security Number or Federal Identification Number as well as the period of performance for the consultant's services. The request should be initiated by the Principal Investigator.

Upon receipt and approval of the completed request the ORSSP will generate a consulting agreement for submission to the consultant.  Upon receipt of the agreement executed by the consultant, the ORSSP will process the consulting agreement though the Division of Procurement and Contract Services for execution on behalf of Georgia Southern and provide copies to the consultant and for internal distribution.  Upon completion of the services or as prescribed in the agreement payment schedule, consultants will be directed to submit invoices to the responsible unit for review and approval.  The responsible unit will determine whether the services have been performed in accordance with the consulting agreement, and forward an accounts payable voucher and any required documentation for payment. 

Direct any questions during the course of a consultancy, including requests for cancellation or other agreement modifications, to your ORSSP Grant Coordinator.