Consultants and Consulting Agreements

Hiring a consultant under a sponsored project:
Consulting agreements are made between UMB and an individual to engage that individual in work that is related to a sponsored project but does not involve design or execution of the project and does not directly move the project toward its goals. Typical examples of consulting include providing expert advice, reviewing papers or projects, or serving on an advisory board. UMB faculty cannot be consultants on a sponsored project - they may be paid personnel or, when appropriate may provide their advice without compensation.  On NIH applications, unpaid consultants may be listed as "Other Significant Contributors".  Consulting agreements are issued by Procurement Services.

Guidelines for faculty receiving a consulting agreement:
Because the legal agreement is made between the consultant (you) and the other entity, UMB does not sign the agreement and cannot provide legal advice regarding the terms and conditions of the consulting agreement. However, you may wish to consult with your prime contact person in Office of Research and Development and/or with the UMB Conflict of Interest Officer for review of terms that may conflict with University policy.

UMB policy requires prior approval of professional consulting and other external professional activities. Procedures vary; contact your department chair for further information.

Related policies:

USM Policy on Professional Commitment of Faculty

UMB Policy on Professional Consulting and Other External Professional Activities

Conflict of Interest policies

Points to consider:

1. As a faculty member, your major professional commitment is to the mission of your Department, your School and the University. Consulting may be engaged in only when it is assured that all your University responsibilities are fully satisfied and that the consulting activity will promise enhancement of your professional standing or contribution to the fulfillment of the mission of the University.
   
   
2. The consulting agreement is a personal commitment by the consultant and, as such, the consultant holds full responsibility and liability for performance under the agreement. It is recommended that, as the consultant, you have your personal attorney review the consulting agreement on your behalf before signing it.
   
   
3. Consulting agreements should include the obligations of the consultant (what the company is paying you to do); a time commitment (number of hours or days of consulting during the period of agreement); and payment terms.
   
   
4. Consulting should not involve use of University resources.
   
   
5. The terms and conditions of a consulting agreement may be kept confidential unless the agreement becomes part of a conflict of interest disclosure file.
   
   
6. Are you involved in any other academic activities with the same company? If you have a research agreement now, or if you later wish to enter into a research agreement with the same company, for example, it is likely that a review of conflict of interest will be initiated.
    

back to top