In order to maintain brand consistency, and to ensure that UAB retains the rights for creative work (content, design, video, photo, web) and digital advertising metrics produced by UAB-approved vendors, Marketing & Communications has implemented Master Service Agreements (MSA). The MSA process was also designed to simplify working with UAB-approved vendors.
UAB has over 100+ agency and freelance vendors on an MSA for content, creative, video, and photography services. Click here to review vendors UAB currently has on an MSA.
Service Order Process
If you are working with a vendor on an existing MSA, Service Orders are completed and signed on a per-project basis, following the steps listed here. Service orders typically are returned within one week of routing (versus a typical four-week standard contract process).
1. Vendor Completes Service Order (per project)
The UAB unit works with the vendor to complete a Service Order including the project scope, time frame, and project budget. The vendor digitally signs the Service Order and returns it to the UAB unit.
2. UAB Contact Submits Service Order
The UAB unit contact submits the Service Order to the Marketing Approval Form to be reviewed by UAB Marketing.
3. UAB Marketing Routes Service Order
Approved Service Orders will be routed by UAB Marketing through UAB’s Contract Management System (CMS) for official signature since the MSA is housed by UAB Marketing.
4. UAB-Signed Service Order Returned
Once the Service Order is signed by the university, it will be returned to the UAB unit contact. Work should not begin on the project until the Service Order is returned.
5. Work Completed by Vendor
Once the dually signed Service Order is in place, the vendor will complete the work according to the scope of services outlined in the Service Order. If more work is needed, a new Service Order must be routed.
6. Invoice Paid
Once the scope of services is completed, the vendor will send the UAB contact an invoice. The unit will then process the invoice in Oracle and attach the dually signed Service Order as a backup to the payment request. The Service Order and invoice totals must match.
New Vendor Request Process
If you would like to request a new vendor be added to a Master Service Agreement (MSA), click here to begin the process. Since approved vendors are placed on a MSA for five years and available to all UAB units, all vendors must be reviewed to ensure they deliver quality creative assets that meet UAB’s brand, content, and web guidelines. Requests must provide rationale for selecting a new vendor with specialized skills not offered by vendors already on a MSA.
Note: Submitting a Fee For Service Agreement for a creative vendor who is not on a MSA via the UAB Contract Management System (CMS) will result in a rejected contract.
Once you have been notified a new vendor request is approved, the process of establishing a new Master Service Agreement (MSA) will begin, following the steps listed below:
1. New Vendor Completes MSA and Personal Service Form (PSF)
The new vendor works with UAB Marketing to complete the MSA and returns it to UAB Marketing at
Note: New vendors who are registered as individuals in iSupplier with a social security number will also complete a PSF and return it with the completed MSA.
2. UAB Marketing Routes MSA
The unsigned MSA will be routed by UAB Marketing through the UAB CMS for official signature. Since the MSA is on behalf of the university and not a specific unit, the MSA is managed by UAB Marketing.
3. UAB-Signed MSA Returned
Once the MSA is signed by the university, it will be returned to the vendor for signature. With the MSA in place, a Service Order defining project work can be submitted by the UAB unit to the Marketing Approval Form for review and approval.
Existing Vendor Review Process
After your service order is processed, you will receive a survey via email to evaluate your experience with the vendor. Feel free to submit your feedback so we can evaluate the vendor. If you have an urgent issue, please email
If you have questions about the MSA or Service Order process, please email