As the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) gradually returns to campus in the coming months, staff members who are responsible for securing contracts for event services or the use of venues (e.g., Hippodrome, Royal Farms Arena for commencement) need to consider including clauses that protect UMB in case events need to be canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Departments need to consider these questions in the face of COVID-19:
- When should UMB procure a contract in order to minimize the financial risk to the University without unnecessarily burdening Strategic Sourcing and Acquisition Services?
- Can UMB include a “cancellation for convenience” clause in the contract?
- If a vendor agrees to the cancellation clause, what is the last date UMB can cancel the contract without penalty?
- What is the schedule of penalties due and the dates they become effective?
For further questions, please contact Keith Gagnon, assistant vice president, SSAS, at kgagnon@umaryland.edu.