Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs) -- also referred to as Confidentiality Agreements and Non-disclosure Agreements -- are binding contracts to safeguard the release or exchange of confidential information.

When is a CDA needed?

Parties will not send the PI a study protocol or other information related to a pending research collaboration unless there is a contract in place to keep the information they send us confidential. The role of DSP at this stage of the process is to review the CDA terms, negotiate language changes with the study sponsor, and sign on behalf of The University of Iowa.

No. The PI does not have the authority to sign a contract binding The University of Iowa. Signature authority at the University is limited to a few persons, including the Executive Director of DSP. The PI may sign, acknowledging the terms of the final CDA, but the CDA requires an additional authorized institutional signature from DSP to legally bind The University of Iowa.   

CDAs must be routed through UI Workflow for departmental and collegiate approval before review by DSP. The routing process begins electronically, by completing a form within the University of Iowa Research Information System (UIRIS). 

  • CDA checklist/process

  • Access UIRIS
  • Non-Monetary Agreement Routing Form
    • Complete all necessary fields
    • Attachments: include CDA in Word Document Format and any other supporting documents.
    • Sponsor contact name and email address along with submission instructions. 
  • DSP will negotiate appropriate terms with CRO/Sponsor.
  • DSP will sign for the University and send to CRO/Sponsor; once all parties have signed, DSP will issue a Non-Monetary award notice.
  • The parties can share confidential information.   

  • Submit the Non-Monetary Agreement Routing Form as noted in the CDA checklist/process.
    • Add a comment requesting DSP to initiate the CDA.
    • Attach a brief description for the purpose.
  • DSP will find an appropriate contractual template.

Reviewed November 2024