Greetings,

Great example and details.

It is not a sponsored program, it is a "service" and paperwork/contract
may go through Business Affairs as opposed to Research. It is no
different than-- as your example--  buying a physical product.

You may ask the specific Center the question as well.  Usually they know
what involves research and what they feel is a service.

One concern may be IP.  Here is where your PI again comes in as the
Subject matter expert who may assure you, or state in an email for your
backup, if you prefer, that the 'service' is nothing more than that.

Service centers usually have their own set rates.

I used to work in the business end before crossing over to research.

I hope this helps.

Best,

Kathy

-----Original Message-----
From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@hrinet.org] On
Behalf Of Tim Atkinson
Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 12:56 PM
To: xxxxxx@hrinet.org
Subject: [RESADM-L] "Service Centers"

Dear Fellow Res Admins,

Bear with me as I ask questions that may seem a bit naive for such an
experienced group. But let's give it a go shall we?

Let's say (hypothetically, of course) an outside company is interested
in your university's "Center for Expert Area", because you can provide
Expert Area services to the company based on faculty expertise (some
faculty are Ph.D.s in expert area).

Allow me to add more details and context: The nature of the service is
to analyze, evaluate and/or report. The head of Center didn't write a
proposal, research design is not required, no programmatic
deliverables etc are due other than data or answers to the question.

Finally, let's say the activity equates to and is perceived as hanging
a shingle outside the building that says "Expert Area Services For
Sale", and the customers and clients show up. Basically, I have a
calculator; you ask me what is 2+2; I send you the "4"; You pay me.
Transaction ends.

First question: Is this a Sponsored Program? Second, how does this
affect time and effort?

Given the current climate of compliance, I am inclined to be
conservative and make this hit time and effort reporting and add all
the other bells and whistles.

However, is that taking it too far? Is this "outside activity" that
skips the typical practice of sponsored programs?

I expect I know the answers, but I am not always right. At the same
time,  I am always encouraged by your collective input. Attachments
welcome!

I would appreciate some insight into this.

Thanks
Tim

---
Tim Atkinson Ed.D.
Assistant Provost and Director
Sponsored Programs
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR 72035
501-450-3451

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