Note: If you receive an award notice, please email it to NGA@hsph.harvard.edu
A notice of award, also referred to as a notice, sponsor notice, NOGA, NoA, contract, grant, agreement, or award letter, is a notification from a sponsor indicating that a proposal has been funded. Notices of award are typically received by SPA, although occasionally a Principal Investigator may be notified directly, however, Principal Investigators are not authorized to sign sponsored research agreements.
SPA is responsible for reviewing and, if necessary, negotiating the terms of all award notices to ensure that the terms and conditions are acceptable to the University and are consistent with Harvard’s policies and procedures for sponsored research. Following review and acceptance of the terms and conditions, the notice of award is signed by an authorized representative and an account activating the award is set up in GMAS.
Award Notification
If an award notice is received directly by the PI and/or department, it must be forwarded to SPA for review, sign-off, and processing as soon as possible. It is considered a best practice to forward the award notice to NGA@hsph.harvard.edu, when the NoA is received by a PI or department.
Common Elements of a Notice of Award
- Amount of funds obligated
- Period of performance
- Scope of work
- Identification of Principal Investigator and/or Key Personnel
- Reporting and invoicing requirements
- Intellectual property
- Publication and dissemination of results
Review of Award Terms and Conditions
Before accepting an award on behalf of the University, the Harvard Chan School SPA Office reviews all terms and conditions, regardless of the sponsor, and is responsible for negotiating appropriate remedies.
The responsibility for the review and approval of all industry-sponsored research agreements at Harvard lies with the Office of Technology and Development (OTD). OTD should be consulted in the first instance when a relationship with private industry is being contemplated. OTD also handles incoming and outgoing Material Transfer Agreements (MTA) for the protection of intellectual property when collaborating with third parities.