Development of an AI-Enhanced Playbook for Research Contract Review Process

The contract involves the development and procurement of an AI-Enhanced Playbook platform designed to streamline the research contract review process at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The platform, developed by The Contract Network (TCN), performs initial, comprehensive reviews of research agreements by utilizing a customizable, industry-standard playbook that is reviewed through an AI model. This system aims to ensure consistency, efficiency, and thoroughness in the review process, reducing turnaround times significantly before contracts are routed to legal and administrative offices such as the Office of General Counsel, Office of Sponsored Programs, and others. The contract is structured as a sole source procurement, with a total estimated value of between $500,000 and $2,000,000, with an initial price of $75,000 for a three-year period, potentially including upgrades and support. The procurement process includes a public advertisement campaign with key dates in late June and early July 2025, culminating in a response deadline of July 9, 2025. Interested parties are invited to object to the sole source certification by submitting relevant documentation and objections by the specified deadline, with instructions to include certification forms and respond via email. The contract emphasizes the platform’s unique suitability for clinical trial and research agreement negotiations, highlighting its purpose-built features that differentiate it from other vendor solutions focused on procurement or general service contracts. The contract’s documentation underscores the importance of a transparent, consistent review process supported by AI technology, aiming to enhance operational efficiency within the research administration framework at the university.