Contract research procedures

The RKT team are here to assist you with the process and help with any queries you may have.  RKT carries an ISO 9001:2008 accredited quality management system and  your contract research projects are managed via this certified system. 

If you are about to undertake some contract research, please get in touch to discuss your project with a member of the RKT team who will work with you to ensure all the project administration, negotiations and legal paperwork is completed quickly and smoothly.

The project stages are as follows:

Concept

• Proposals, bids and expressions of interest (EOIs) - Assist and advise on developing proposals, bids and EOIs. We have had great success with US bids recently, and have prepared advice on successful US bids
• Registrations - we can help complete sponsor registrations such as e-tendering, procurement and government assurances.
• Invitations to tender (TTT) & Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs):  a comprehensive set of information and resources are available from previous applications to help with PQQ and ITT submissions. To help inform future applications we have compiled Feedback on failed bids (pdf).  View our Tender and PQQ presentation (pdf) for more details.
• Research Frameworks - we can support and co-ordinate research framework applications, to become a preferred supplier of research services to a particular sponsor.
• Quality Assurance - we can help with quality assurance requirements in applications.
• Feedback - we regularly collate feedback from unsuccessful bids and a summary of this can be found on our Feedback on failed bids (pdf). 
• Develop Project Scope - Hold discussions between all parties to develop the project scope and negotiate costs liaising with Research Accounting and the College.
• Internal Approval - Seek approval from the College
• Project Awarded - Successful tender confirmed by client.  If it is declined there may be an opportunity to resubmit a reworked proposal

Definition

• Contracts - Draft and approve the contract with Academic, Legal Services and Client.  We can help with the negotiation of all aspects of your project with the sponsor. 
• Insurance - For projects that carry an insurance risk we may seek approval from the Insurance Office
• Contract Files - RKT will keep digital and hard copies of contracts plus all other documentation 

Implementation

• Project Work - Academic completes the work as set out in the contract
• Project Changes - Any changes will need to be formally agreed

Close Out

• Project completion confirmed
• Feedback - Receive feedback from the client

For more information, please see our FAQ page and our case studies.

Contact the Contract Research and Consultancy team

We are always happy to talk with you to discuss your project and options.

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