A Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) is a contract that establishes terms and conditions governing the transfer of research-related materials between the University and another institution or company. An MTA between a providing entity and a receiving entity should be fully-executed before any materials are sent or received.

There are two types of MTAs:

MTAs IN(RECEIVING MATERIALS)

MTAs OUT(PROVIDING MATERIALS)

An MTA or DUA-In must be completed when a University PI has requested materials or data from another entity. Typically, the providing entity will provide its own MTA template for University’s review and execution.

An MTA -Out must be completed when a University PI desires to send materials or data to a researcher at another entity. In these instances, a University MTA template will be sent to the receiving entity for review and execution. The University may choose to utilize its MTA template or, for material transfers, it may choose to utilize a Uniform Biological Materials Transfer Agreement (UBMTA), if appropriate.

PROCESS

If a UTHealth PI has requested material to be transferred to him/her from another entity or if another entity has requested material to be transferred from the UTHealth PI, the PI/department will forward a completed Transfer form and any necessary approval letters to SPA. SPA will negotiate the legal terms and conditions of the MTA with the entity.

DEPARTMENT TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Submit Word version of Contract, if receiving materials from another entity, to SPA by emailing it to preaward@uth.tmc.edu
• Complete the Transfer form- submit to SPA click here
• Forward any necessary approval letters to SPA
• Route the final agreement for PI signature - submit to SPA

SPA TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• If UTHealth is receiving materials, SPA will receive the sponsor’s MTA template from the department or the sponsor.
• If UTHealth is providing materials, SPA may use the Uniform Biological Material Transfer Agreement (UBMTA) or the UTHealth standard MTA for providing materials.
• Negotiate legal terms of the agreement with collaborator on behalf of the PI and the University.
• Obtain PI Read and Understood approval (either signature or electronic approval).
• Route the final agreement with PI signature, if applicable, for institutional signatory to sign.
• SPA will send to collaborator for full execution.
• SPA will assure PI has a copy of fully executed agreement and will retain a copy for institution record.