Research, Development and Innovation (R+D+I)

Contracts and tenders

We support the management of contracts and agreements with companies and other entities within the framework of research activities that may arise at UPC. Many of these contracts aim to formalise a work assignment by a company. These are contracts regulated by Article 60 of LOSU (former Article 83).

In addition to these contracts, there are other types of contracts and agreements necessary in the context of research activities (confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, framework agreements, etc.).

In this area we offer:

  • General advice on the terms of the collaboration and negotiation with the company or entity
  • Legal support in research-related matters, contract drafting and management
  • Support in preparing bids in which UPC may participate: support in documentation, management, and uploading of documentation as required.

Article 60 Contracts

Article 60 of LOSU (Organic Law 2/2023 of 22 March on the University System) authorises departments and university research institutes, as well as their faculty members, to enter into contracts with individuals, universities, or public and private entities for the execution of scientific, technological, humanistic, or artistic work, as well as specific training activities.
At UPC, and in relation to Debt Guidelines, all works carried out for amounts exceeding €3,000 will require the signing of a contract (signed by the Rector). Works for amounts less than €3,000, corresponding to specific technical tasks (tests, technical reports, expert opinions, etc.), can be invoiced directly without the need for a signed contract, through the services account.
The most typical "Article 60" contract types are: technical support contracts, R&D contracts, collaboration contracts, etc.

Public Administration Contracting

Tendering
When the contracting entity is the Public Administration, common forms of contracting include awarding a minor contract or initiating a tender, procedures also allowed by Article 60 of LOSU.
For submission to a public tender, the researcher should contact the USR, who will assist in preparing the documentation, securing the Rector's signature, and uploading the documentation to the corresponding platform.
Tendering requires preparing a series of economic and technical documentation as well as other UPC documents that should be prepared in advance.
If the University is awarded the contract, the USR, at the request of the teaching and research staff (PDI), will manage the Rector's signing of the contract.
Websites for finding major tenders
Agreements
Law 40/2015, of 1 October, on the Legal Regime of the Public Sector.
This type of agreement may involve public or private entities working towards a common goal, typically involving a transfer of funds. It is crucial to ensure these agreements do not involve a service consideration as their object.

If you have any questions, please contact your reference USR or the Contracts, Agreements, and Tenders Unit at Vèrtex central services: