Authority to sign contracts on behalf of the University is delegated from The Regents to the University President, who in turn has delegated authority to each campus Chancellor. At Berkeley, the Chancellor further delegates signature authority to various offices. Unless you have a written delegation of authority from the Chancellor, or from someone who has a delegation of authority from the Chancellor and has re-delegated a portion of that authority to you, you do not have authority to sign a contract on behalf of the University. The term "contract" is defined as any agreement intended to be binding between the University and another party. Employees who enter into contracts outside the scope of their authority may be personally liable for the unauthorized commitment.

The following is a partial list of offices that have authority to sign contracts on behalf of the University.

Research Contracts

Research Contracts with Private Industry:
Industry Alliances Office, iao@berkeley.edu

Research Contracts with Public Agencies:
Sponsored Projects Office, 642-0120

Patent and Technology Licensing:
Office of Technology Licensing, otl-feedback@lists.berkeley.edu

Important note: Effective February 7, 2006, the campus will refuse to accept any grant or contract for extramural funding that has not been appropriately submitted through the Industry Alliances Office or Sponsored Projects Office.

Other Contracts

Business Contracts: Business Contracts Office, 642-0972

Leases and Facility Use Permits: Real Estate Services Office, 642-9942

Hotel, Conference, or Retreat Agreements: Travel and Entertainment, 643-5652

Purchases Below $2,500: Departmental Business Officers
Purchases Above $2,500: Procurement Services, 642-7378

If you are not sure which office to contact, email Risk Management at risk@berkeley.edu for assistance.

last updated on 3/20/07