International Collaborative Agreement

Guidance

This document provides guidance for New York Tech faculty, staff, and administrators on when and how to initiate an International Collaborative Agreement for research and sponsored programs. These agreements define the roles, responsibilities, and compliance obligations of New York Tech and international partners, ensuring adherence to U.S. federal requirements and foreign legal frameworks.

When to Use the Agreement

An International Collaborative Agreement must be initiated when:

  • New York Tech and a foreign institution/organization will jointly perform research or project activities.
  • The collaboration involves the exchange of research materials, data, or personnel across borders.
  • The project requires compliance with both U.S. and foreign legal/regulatory frameworks (e.g., export control, GDPR, foreign research ethics).

Initiating an International Collaborative Agreement

This process ensures that International Collaborative Agreements at New York Tech comply with U.S. federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and foreign legal obligations, while protecting the interests of New York Tech and its partners.

Timeline: Please allow 15–20 business days for drafting/review, as international agreements may involve extended negotiations and compliance checks. Projects involving IRB, IACUC, or international data protection approvals may require additional time.

  • Faculty/PI determines that the partnership involves an international collaborator.
  • Confirm the activity is not more appropriately covered by another agreement type (e.g., Subaward, MTA, DUA).

Email grants@nyit.edu with:

  • Project title and sponsor (if applicable).
  • Collaborating institution/organization name, country, and contact.
  • Description of collaboration, including cross-border exchanges of data, materials, or personnel.
  • Draft/template agreement if provided by collaborator.

  • OSPAR reviews and determines if an International Collaborative Agreement is required.
  • OSPAR coordinates with the Office of General Counsel for drafting/review.

  • OSPAR and general counsel assess export control, OFAC sanctions, data protection (e.g., GDPR), tax/employment law, and other regulatory requirements.
  • Faculty must provide documentation for any IRB/ethics approvals in the U.S. and abroad.

  • Legal negotiation occurs between New York Tech and the collaborator’s legal/administrative office.
  • Issues addressed include data transfer mechanisms, intellectual property, dispute resolution, and compliance with foreign laws.

  • Faculty/staff are NOT authorized to sign on behalf of New York Tech.
  • Final agreements must be signed by New York Tech’s authorized institutional officials.
  • Collaboration may begin only after both parties have executed the agreement.

Key Contacts