1. Research Contracts
Industry Liaison Office
24th February 2014

2. CONTENTS
WHY Contracts are needed
Types of Research Contracts
- RCA vs CRA
Information required from PIs
PIs to note
Contracts Process
Policies and Guidelines

3. What a hassle!
WHY do we need Contracts?
To legally bind an external party on its commitment
and obligations to the project;
to protect and safeguard YOUR interests and the
interests of NUS;
Governs confidentiality,
results/valuable IP;
and
use
of
research
Allows Parties to seek legal recourse if there is a
breach.

4. Types of Research Contracts
RCA - Research Collaboration
Agreement
CRA - Contract Research
Agreement
NDA - Non-Disclosure Agreement
MTA – Materials Transfer
Agreement
MOU – Memorandum of
Understanding
Total Qty: 466
(Physical Sciences related Contracts only)

5. RCA vs CRA: What’s the difference?
RCA
CRA
(Research Collaboration)
(Contract Research)
Collaborative relationship
“Fee-for-service” arrangement
Both Parties contribute resources
(cash and/or in-kind)
NUS costs are fully paid for (except
for PI’s time)
Project IP generated are at least
jointly-owned
Project IP generated 100% owned by
funding Party
May create patentable /
commercialisable IP
Not likely to create patentable /
commercialisable IP
Indirect Research Costs (IRC):
min. 20% (non-profit, govt. agency)
min. 60% (commercial entities)
Indirect Research Costs (IRC):
min. 60% (regardless whether entity
is non-profit or commercial)

6. PIs, please inform ILO…
Project Information:
o
If Grant supported; provide Grant Letter of Award and
Terms and Conditions
o
Concise description of Objectives, Scope of Work,
Deliverables, Project Schedule and Contributions (cash /
in-kind)
Provide completed Schedule 1 template (and/or Project
Proposal)
Project IP
Potential of creating new IP (solely or jointly)?
Does Collaborator expect to own IP (either solely or
jointly) or do they only want rights of use?

7. PIs, please TAKE NOTE!
Indirect Research Cost (Overheads charges)
o Costs relating general resources (e.g. utilities, office, library
resources, office equipment etc.)
RCA: min. 20% (non-profit, govt.), min. 60% (commercial entities)
CRA: min. 60% (regardless non-profit/govt. or commercial)
o Seek reduction / waiver from Division of Research
Administration (DRA) under ODPRT
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
7% of (Total Cash Contribution + IRC)

8. Contracts Process
ILO’s draft required:
NDA
• Download template from
ILO website;
• Sign by Dean (through
ERO) if no further changes
required
Collaborator’s draft:
Email draft contract (with project
details) to ILO to review.
NOTE:
RCA /
CRA
MOU /
MTA /
Others
• Email completed Schedule
1 or full Project Proposal
to ILO
• Email Grant award letter
and documents to ILO (if
applicable)
• Email ILO and provide
information such as intent
of the contract required,
collaborator’s name etc.
1.Changes to terms of the contract
must be reviewed by ILO;
2.ILO negotiates and finalizes
contract;
3.ILO arranges the signing of
contract; PIs are not authorized to
sign.

9. Policies and Guidelines
Policies Relating To University Intellectual Property
(version 110309)
Policy and Procedure for Establishing New Agreements
with External Agencies
External Grants Distribution of Indirect Research Cost
Recovery
University Procurement Manual
Data Management Policy

10. ILO Website & Survey
ILO Website:
o www.ilo.nus.edu.sg
FOR RESEACHERS > ABOUT AGREEMENTS
FOR RESEACHERS > AGREEMENT FORMS (for NDA and
Schedule 1 templates)
FOR RESEACHERS > policies for PI
Survey
We welcome your candid feedback!

11. The End and Thank You.
CONTACT US at:
General enquiry: ilobox4@nus.edu.sg
Physical Sciences Contracts Team:
Madelyn Ho: madelynho@nus.edu.sg
Dr. Ooi Thian Ngan: ilootn@nus.edu.sg
Wan Chee Yuen: cheeyuen.wan@nus.edu.sg