New Contract Process

  • Step
    1

    A contract request is submitted in BuyWays

  • Step
    2

    The contract request is reviewed by UPST, as well as the campus approvers, and a formal contract is created

  • Step
    3

    UPST will route the contract for any additional reviews/approvals as needed

  • Step
    4

    The contract is sent out to be signed by all relevant parties

  • Step
    5

    After the contract is signed, the contract will become "in effect" until it has expired or run out of funds

The University's Procurement Policy specifies the rules for all University procurement and contracting activities, with specific requirements detailed for the purchasing categories listed below.

The UPST Contracts Team centrally manages and stores all contracts within the BuyWays Contracts Module (Total Contracts Manager - TCM) as part of its goal to create a unified technology platform for managing procurement services across all campuses. 

Explore the UMass contracting process with the High-Level Contract Workflow for a concise overview of the steps it takes to create a contract.

Construction

Purchases that involve building maintenance or labor and materials construction contracts require prevailing wage rates.

Contract for Services (CFS)

Any agreement that meets or exceeds $100,000 requires a Contract for Services (CFS).

Space and Equipment

Contracts for non-University-owned space or equipment.

Job Aids

Contract Request Form in BuyWays

Demonstrates the process of submitting a contract request form in BuyWays.

Amend an Existing Contract

Demonstrates the process of submitting a contract amendment form in BuyWays.

Approving a Request & Contract

Demonstrates the process of approving a contract or contract request

Forms & Templates 

Form/TemplatePurpose
Contract Process Reference Guide Outlines when a contract is needed, how you can request a new contract and amend an existing contract, and what documents you need.
Contract Process GlossaryOutlines common and uncommon terms related to contracts.
CFS Statement of Work TemplateTemplate for creating a statement of work (SOW) for contract for services (CFS).
Contract for Services Template (CFS)Template for creating a contract for services (CFS).
Master Service Agreement (MSA) TemplateTemplate for creating a master service agreements (MSA).
MSA Statement of Work TemplateTemplate for creating a statement of work (SOW) for master service agreement (MSA).
Principal Investigator (PI) DocuSign Form (UMB &UMass Chan)Docusign form for creating a PI contract for UMass Boston and UMass Chan.
Contract Amendment Form - Language/SOW ChangesTemplate for submitting a language or statement of work (SOW) change to a contract.
No Bid Justification (NBJ) DocuSign formForm used when filling a No Bid Justification (Primarily for Amherst & Boston requesters, but can also be used for select departments in other campuses whose requisitions do not originate in BuyWays.)

Questionnaires

QuestionnairePurpose
Contract Request QuestionnaireList of questions asked during contract request process.
Contract Request Form - Risk Questionnaire (All Campuses except UMass Chan)List of questions asked during contract risk questionnaire (does not include UMass Chan). 
Contract Request Form - Risk Questionnaire (UMass Chan Only)List of questions asked during contract risk questionnaire (UMass Chan only).
Contract Request Form - IT Risk Questionnaire (All Campuses except UMass Chan)List of questions asked during IT risk questionnaire (does not include UMass Chan).
Determination of Independent Contractor Status QuestionsList of questions used to determine Independent Contractor Status.