Before ideas become awards, they pass through conversations, drafts, and a maze of terms. Sponsored Projects Development step in here—translating legal language into clear paths forward, and shaping agreements that protect publishing, students, IP, and data while keeping your timeline on track.

When to loop us in
As soon as a sponsor hints at teaming, a subrecipient, or “we will send over a draft,” bring us in. If you need to share proprietary data or export-controlled details, start with us so the right confidentiality or data terms are in place. Early is best; it saves days later.

What working with us feels like
You share the opportunity or award notice and the basics—scope of work, period, budget, key contacts. We review the terms, flag the non-starters, and propose solutions that align with NMT policy and sponsor rules. Expect straight talk, quick checklists only where truly helpful, and clear next steps. We coordinate with Compliance, OCAR, SPA, and OIC so you are not chasing five offices.

Subawards and collaborators
We make collaborations simple: confirm who does what, flow down the necessary clauses, and align budgets and F&A. If something is unusual—human subjects at a partner site, data that requires special handling—we design the right route together.

Timelines you can plan around
Most NDAs, DUAs, and MTAs finalize within a week once we have a complete packet. Awards and subawards vary with sponsor response time; we keep you updated and remove roadblocks as they appear.

Start here
Email awards@nmt.edu with the solicitation or award number, any draft terms, and a short note about collaborators or special requirements. One of us will reply with a simple plan: who we contact, what we edit, and when you will be ready to submit or start.

Your team
Sara Grijalva — Pre-Award Negotiations Manager (sara.grijalva@nmt.edu )
Stephanie Sichler — Director, SPD (stephanie.sichler@nmt.edu)

Agreement Types We Handle

• NDA / Confidentiality Agreement – protects pre-award discussions
• MLU / MOU – outlines intent and roles without funding
• MTA (Incoming/Outgoing) – governs transfer of materials or reagents
• DUA / Data Use Agreement – governs data sharing and protection
• Teaming / Collaboration Agreement – defines proposal-stage roles
• Award / Contract Negotiation – terms, T&Cs, IP, publication, indemnity