Who has Authority to Contract?

At the University System of New Hampshire (USNH), the authority to enter into contracts on behalf of the Board is a responsibility carefully administered and controlled. This authority stems from the Board of Trustees who, as the governing body of the University, have the ultimate responsibility for all contractual relationships. However, given the scale and diversity of operations across the University System, it is impractical for the Board to handle all contractual matters. As such, they delegate this authority to certain individuals within the University System.

These designated officials have been granted the authority to sign contracts on behalf of the Board, as specifically outlined in their signed Letter of Delegation. This document details the scope and limitations of their delegated contractual authority, ensuring clear delineation of responsibilities and transparency in the process. The Letter of Delegation is a formal acknowledgement and assignment of their role in the contractual process.

It is important for all members of the campus community to be aware that only those individuals with a signed Letter of Delegation have the authority to enter into contracts on behalf of the Board. Other university staff, faculty, or students do not possess this authority, and any contracts signed by unauthorized individuals may not be legally binding and could potentially expose the University System and unauthorized signer to risk.

Anyone needing to request a contract should submit a TDX Ticket to the Contracting Team.