When is a Contract Required?

• The supplier presents you with a contract for goods or services being provided.
• Services performed domestically which total $10,000 or more.
• Purchases involving the following:
  • Ownership of products.
  • Licensing of products.
  • Free software or free trials of software or equipment.
  • Photography or videography.
  • Risk mitigation, including high-risk entertainment.
  • Programs involving children.
  • Critical or restricted data usage.
• Services performed internationally which total $5,000 or more. Services performed internationally are defined as:
  • Services performed overseas by a non-US entity.
  • Services performed in the US by a non-US entity.
  • Services performed overseas by a US entity.

This is not an exhaustive list. If you are unsure if a contract is required for your situation, submit a Support Form describing the situation. Purchasing staff will review the situation and reply with their recommendation.

Signing Contracts

Signatory authority, or the ability to legally sign an agreement on behalf of an institution, is vested in the Board of Trustees of Indiana University and delegated to specific IU staff.

If you have not been explicitly told that you are able to sign a contract on behalf of the university, assume you cannot legally sign the document.