SPARCS Guidance: Streamlined Routing for Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs)

Per NC State’s Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance Services (SPARCS) website: An MTA is a contract that governs the transfer of tangible research materials between two organizations when the recipient intends to use it for his or her own research purposes. The MTA defines the rights of the provider and the recipient with respect to the materials and any derivatives. MTAs are also invaluable tools to ensure the recipient has clearance guidance on the regulatory requirements, including Export Control compliance, that might apply to the material. Contact the Office of Research Commercialization (ORC) if you believe your activity warrants an MTA.

As shared by Interim Director, Kevin Schroeder, during the November Research Support Council Meeting: 

When determining which office should handle the routing/signature of an MTA, the basic question is: could/should the MTA be a part of a funded agreement or collaborative research agreement?

• If the material is being supplied by the sponsor, SPARCS should handle the MTA. Therefore a PINS should be started including all appropriate documentation. 
• If the material is being supplied by a partner other than the sponsor of a funded project, but NCSU and the partner are collaborating on the funded agreement, then SPARCS should handle the MTA. Therefore a PINS should be started including all appropriate documentation. 

If the material is being provided by a partner other than the sponsor of a funded project, and the sponsor and partner are not collaborating on that sponsored project, the Office of Research Commercialization should handle the MTA. Please see their website for full details, please send to mta_cda@ncsu.edu and include the completed appropriate MTA routing form (either in-coming or out-going MTA form).