Signature Authority

Signature Authority

In accordance with the UNC System Policy Manual 500.4 [R] regulation on administering sponsored programs and the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) Operating Standards 200.01 and 200.02, establishes OSP as the designated University unit responsible for administering and executing sponsored programs.

OSP is responsible for sponsored programs that encompass any scholarly, professional, or creative activity conducted by University personnel using support from external funding sources through grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other agreements. Such sponsored programs include but are not limited to organized research, instruction/training, other sponsored research activities, and research/support services. See OSP Operating Standard 100.01.

While OSP is the designated University unit responsible for administering and executing sponsored programs, certain tasks have been delegated to the Sponsored Programs Office (SPO) or the Office of Clinical Trials (OCT), as appropriate, see OSP Operating Standard 300.01. Consequently, all applications for sponsored funding must be reviewed by OSP, SPO, and/or OCT on behalf of the University prior to submission to the sponsor to confirm accuracy and compliance with Federal, University, and sponsor policies. OSP is also responsible for reviewing, negotiating, approving, and executing sponsored program awards to assure compliance.

It is important to note that OSP may not be able to accept or approve awards on behalf of the University if the proposal was not first reviewed for compliance prior to submission. Prior review and approval from the Chair and/or Center Director, and Dean are also required for proposal submissions to assure internal support for the projects. These prior internal approvals are obtained during the RAMSeS or ALICE proposal submission process.

Faculty and staff are not authorized to commit the institution through proposal submission or award acceptance. Failure to obtain all required University approvals before submission may result in the inability to accept or support an award or proposal.