4 Reasons to Outsource Bayh-Dole Compliance
- Admin
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read

As the federal government takes aim at reshaping the federal research landscape, universities would do well to ensure that reporting on ongoing grants is fully in order. There are several compelling reasons to outsource Bayh-Dole compliance work - not
the least of which is addressing a growing
backlog of iEdison notifications.
Here are four reasons to consider an outsourced solution:
1. Rely on the experts
Meeting compliance reporting expectations requires in-depth experience across invention disclosures, election of title, agency-specific nuances, utilization reports. Outside experts bring firsthand knowledge gained from working with multiple clients across a range of scenarios, allowing them to apply best practices efficiently.
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2. Lower costs
For smaller or mid-sized universities, outsourced support is scalable and can grow or contract with research volume. In many cases, the cost for services may be less than maintaining dedicated inhouse staff with the necessary expertise.
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3. Focus on priorities
Tech transfer offices are increasingly expected to drive impact. By outsourcing compliance, internal teams can focus their time to support researchers, advance commercialization outcomes and further innovation.
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4. Reduce risk and audit exposure
Bayh-Dole noncompliance carries real consequences, including the potential loss of IP rights and funding complications for existing or future grants. Even unintentional oversights – missed deadlines, incomplete reports or inconsistent data – can expose universities to significant risk. An outside provider typically uses standardized workflows and rigorous deadline tracking that make it possible to significantly reduce notifications.
In a research environment that is increasingly complex and uncertain, outsourcing Bayh-Dole compliance offers a practical way to strengthen controls, reduce risk, and manage costs.
For a case study on how the University of Delaware has partnered with Borman & Company to manage the Bayh-Dole compliance process, click here.
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