Contracts Administration
Cobblestone Contract Insight Login
The new Contract Administration process was approved and went live on April 15, 2015.
The goals of the initiative are to:
- process contracts in a timely and cost effective manner
- maintain standard contract templates for use across campus
- provide constructive input on legal contract documents relating to purchasing items, conditions, indemnification, intellectual property, etc.
- manage complex processes across functions, including legal and risk
- address vendor performance issues
- manage the contract tracking software
Independent Contractors
Changes to current process implemented for 2017 services
- Classification will be determined by the Tax Department
- Revised checklist for services performed in 2017 (see link below)
- Section A - Drop down features for some fields on electronic form
- Sections B and C - Changes to questions
- Section D – Statement of work required
- Section D – Specific dates of services require that if a date range is entered that the number of times worker will be used, estimated dates of service and total expected costs must be provided
A statement of work is a document that lists the project-specific activities, deliverables, and timelines for an individual providing service to SMU. Below are tips to writing a statement work and also an optional statement of work template.
Tips - Writing a Statement of Work
Review the SMU Policy
Policy on Contracts and Commitments
A central contract lead will facilitate the process for specific areas on campus. These identified employees are called Contract Leads and will receive specialized training on the administration software and best practices. They will also become part of a community of practice to share information and learn from each other. Contract leads will work with their area to process and track the contracts.
Contract leads are identified as:
Contracts Metrics

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Links to OE2C Initiative Blog Posts:
Contract Administration Inititative Mission
Contracts Initiative Announces Process Improvements
Contract Administration Initiative Completes Diagnostic Phase and Begins Design Work
Contract Administration Initiative Completes Diagnostic Phase and Begins Design Work
Contract Administration: New initiative to update policies, streamline process
New Contract Initiative Makes for Smoother Processing at SMU
Contact Us:
Melanie Bailey, Senior Contracts Administrator: 214-768-1294 or melanieb@smu.edu.