Q&A – Framework agreement for NWO use

This Q&A forms part of the introduction to the framework agreement on the use of NWO research.

You can find more information about SURF’s contract structure here.

Question	Answer
Q: Why is a framework agreement for NWO use being introduced?	A: It has become apparent that, under the current processes, uncertainty can arise regarding the responsibilities of the various parties involved in the process from application to use of a computing or storage service based on the computing time call. The NWO framework agreement governs the relationship between SURF and the institution.
Q: What are the implications of the framework agreement for NWO use?	A: The framework agreement between SURF and the institution clarifies the relationship that arises in this regard between SURF and the institution (and the researchers affiliated with it).  Every grant awarded and the use of the computing and data services allocated on that basis are subject to this agreement from the moment it is signed.
Q: What do I, as an institution, need to do?	A: Every institution that is eligible to use NWO’s computing time allocation must sign the framework agreement for NWO on a one-off basis. We send this framework agreement on NWO usage to the institutions via the same channel we use for other agreements, such as the DVOs. We therefore ask the institutions to sign the framework agreement on NWO usage via that channel.
Q: What does the framework agreement state about the conditions under which SURF provides its computing and data services in connection with grants?	A: These terms and conditions are the same as those SURF applies when providing these same services to institutions outside the scope of NWO grants.
Q: Are these entirely new terms and conditions that are now being agreed?	A: The agreement is new. The terms and conditions under which SURF provides its computing and data services in connection with grants remain the same. On balance, therefore, nothing changes; the terms are neither better nor worse than before, and they are also substantively the same for the services that institutions purchase from SURF. However, we are now ensuring that there is a sound agreement in place for the use of these services whenever the computing time allocation is utilised.
Q: When does the framework agreement for NWO use come into effect?	A: The agreement comes into effect on the date it is signed by the institution.
Q: Does the framework agreement for NWO use only apply to new grants or also to existing grants?	A: The agreement applies to both: new and existing grants. The reason for this is the long duration of major grants and the possibility of extending them. In this way, we ensure that there is no lengthy transition period.
Q: Does the framework agreement for NWO use only apply to small applications, only to large applications, or to both?	A: The agreement applies to both: small and large applications.