A 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. An MTA is typically non-monetary; however, if the outside entity is an industry partner, additional proposal information may be required (such as approvals for cost share or COI forms).

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 another entity has requested material to be transferred from the UTHealth PI, the PI or department administrator will submit an MTA request in UTSTART using the instructions below. SPA will negotiate the legal terms and conditions of the MTA with the other entity and notify the PI and department when the MTA is complete.

How to submit the MTA request in UTSTART?

1. Login to START Login
2. Navigate to the Agreements Module
3. Select “Material Transfer” agreement type (Click here to see)
4. Fill out intake form (Transfer e-form tab), and press “Submit” once complete. If you receive an agreement draft from the other entity, you may upload the document in the Transfer e-Form or under the separate “Attachments” tab (Click here to see)

**Please note that pressing “Submit” is essential for SPA to receive the request**

If you have any additional questions about MTAs or submission process, please reach out to contracts@uth.tmc.edu

DEPARTMENT TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Submit an MTA request in UTSTART using the instructions above.
2. If the other entity is not listed in UTSTART, submit a Sponsor/Subcontractor Request Form to SystemsReporting@uth.tmc.edu.
3. Please add any necessary approval letters to SPA (IRB, IACUC, IBC, RSC)

SPA TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Draft and/or negotiate legal terms of the agreement with the other entity on behalf of the PI and UTHealth.
2. Route the final version agreement for internal signature by UTHealth’s authorized official.
3. Send the final draft of the MTA to the other entity for final execution
4. Send the PI a copy of the fully executed agreement and retain a copy for institutional record.