Contract Refresh Workshop

Date: May 30, 2019
Presenter: Heather K. Hosfeld, Esq., Deputy General Counsel, Lehigh University
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Lehigh University – STEPS 101

General Information:

Signing contracts on behalf of a college or university binds a school to the terms and conditions on the contract. Vendors can often try to insert complex language into contracts to hook schools and businesses into deals that directly benefit them. Having the knowledge of specific wording to look for when reviewing a contract can save your institution money and avoid significant risk when signing binding contract – or passing it along to a member of senior leadership to sign.

Types of Contracts

Service contracts:

These are contracts for any type of service needed at your institution and can range from large construction projects to consultants. Language often includes wording around types of acceptable work, notification of unacceptable work, acts of god that could prevent work from covering – and who covers the cost if any of these things happen.

Hard-goods contracts:

These are contracts for any type of purchased hard-good such as janitorial supplies, office supplies, lab equipment, etc. Contract language often includes wording around the shape the equipment is in when it’s received, delivery terms (FCA, DAP, etc.), warranties, etc.

IT contracts:

IT specific contracts are often more complex than a typical service or hard-good contract as there is usually more technical language involved. Many IT contracts include both service and hard-good language as much of what is purchased needs updates from the company installing new equipment. Software also comes with its own set of technical challenges. IT contracts at smaller schools are often signed without review which can bring significant risk and therefore cost to an institution.