When the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) receives notification that an award has been made, the Principal Investigator/Project Director (PI/PD) is then asked to review the award document. The PI/PD must be aware of all terms and conditions of the award document. The PI/PD signifies acceptance of the award by signing and returning the accompanying Notice of Award memo to the ORSP.

While the PI/PD is reviewing the award document, the ORSP conducts its own review of cited terms and conditions, including relevant regulations (e.g., Code of Federal Regulations [CFR], Federal Acquisition Regulations [FAR], Office of Management and Budget [OMB] Circulars, and other references). The ORSP determines if the award document complies with university policies and procedures and is acceptable to UM. If there is any question on compliance with UM policies and procedures, the ORSP will consult the appropriate UM office (e.g., Accounting, Equal Opportunity and Regulatory Compliance, Human Resources, University Attorney).

If both the PI/PD and the ORSP find the award document acceptable, the ORSP secures the signature of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Sponsored Programs, the only person authorized to accept such awards/contracts for UM. If/when the award document has also been signed by the sponsor, the document is considered to be fully executed and is forwarded to the Accounting Office.

Upon request, the ORSP will provide the PI/PD with a Highlight of Award overview, including a quick review of the award terms regarding applicable rules and regulations, copyright, equipment, publication, intellectual property, issues requiring prior approval, budget considerations, and usual restrictions or requirements.