Contract FAQs
What is a contract?
A contract is an agreement between two or more parties to do or not do a particular thing. There must be a common understanding among the parties as to the essential terms, there must be mutual obligations, and there must be “legal consideration,” meaning that something of value is exchanged.
A contract may be called many different things and still be a contract – for example, an “agreement,” “grant,” “memorandum of understanding,” or “memorandum of agreement.” A contract may also take the form of an electronic agreement where a party indicates acceptance of terms with a mouse click.
A document may be a contract even if the university is not paying anything for the item or service that it is receiving in return.
While some contracts may be oral, NC State and the State of North Carolina require that all university contracts be in writing. This is accomplished through a written contract or a purchase order or by use of your P-Card.
How can you tell if an agreement is a University contract?
If you arrange a contract or agreement while acting in the scope of your university employment, it is likely a University contract. There must be a University interest at stake.
In addition, the agreement must be within your employment duties as authorized by your supervisors. In general, agreements are not University contracts if they are entered on behalf of a separate legal entity such as a foundation (including using those affiliated with the University), a student organization, or another private entity or individual.
As a State government entity, NC State University is subject to certain legal requirements and restrictions which may impact its ability to accept certain contract terms. It is critical, therefore, that all university contracts be reviewed and executed via the appropriate university procedure.
Who has authority to sign contracts for NC State University?
As a general rule, only the Chancellor and certain Vice Chancellors have the authority to execute contracts for the University.
Anyone else executing a contract that purports to bind the University or its subunits is acting without authority and could be held personally liable for the breach of the contract or for the full value of the contract.
When may a department or unit make small purchases without review by Procurement & Business Services?
Small purchases (up to $5,000) may be made by departments without processing by NC State Procurement & Business Services, but only when there is no written contract or agreement or formal purchase order involved.
Purchases between $5,000 and $500,000 are normally executed via a purchase order from NC State Procurement & Business Services. Bids are sought and standard Terms and Conditions are used in lieu of obtaining a Vice Chancellor’s signature.
Does Procurement & Business Services review contracts for purchases of goods and services for less than $5,000?
Yes. Any time a transaction involves a contract, the contract must be submitted to NC State Procurement & Business Services. This is true even for purchases of less than $5,000 and even when the goods or services are being provided for free.
How do I submit a contract to Procurement & Business Services for review?
Information regarding Procurement & Business Services’ Contract Review Services.