Collaborative Research and Academic Engagement Policy

Policy Number: EC-CRAE-05

Effective Date: 01/16/2023

Purpose

This policy defines Ecotrak LLC’s approach to engaging with academic institutions for collaborative research projects, with a specific focus on compensation arrangements for researchers and minimizing indirect costs.

Scope

This policy applies to all collaborative research and development projects undertaken by Ecotrak LLC in partnership with academic institutions, including but not limited to universities, colleges, and research centers.

Policy Statement

Ecotrak LLC is committed to fostering academic collaboration by directly compensating researchers and their supervising faculty members for their time and expertise. To ensure the efficiency and equitable allocation of resources:

1. Direct Compensation Model

   • Ecotrak LLC will directly compensate the involved researcher(s) (e.g., Ph.D. students) and their supervising professor(s) for their time and contributions.

   • All payments will be based on pre-approved hourly or fixed rates outlined in the collaboration agreement.

2. Avoidance of Indirect Costs

   • Ecotrak LLC does not cover indirect costs (also known as overhead or facilities and administrative costs) associated with research projects unless explicitly agreed upon in writing.

   • The avoidance of indirect costs ensures that funding is utilized solely for research activities and personnel compensation.

3. Published Policy Requirement

   • In cases where academic institutions have policies mandating indirect costs, Ecotrak LLC will seek to negotiate terms that align with this policy, emphasizing direct compensation to personnel involved in the project.

   • This policy will be shared as a formal document with partnering institutions to clarify Ecotrak LLC’s position on funding arrangements.

4. Justification

   • This policy supports a lean financial model, ensuring that project funds directly benefit the researchers and supervising faculty, without incurring additional administrative costs.

Exceptions

Exceptions to this policy may only be made with the written approval of the CEO or another authorized  representative of Ecotrak LLC.

Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact:

Name: Matt Singer

Title: CEO

Email: msinger@ecotrak.com