Request an NDA, DUA or MTA

Information You Should Have Ready

Before submitting a request through the Hermes Portal, please review the information below. Being prepared helps ensure your agreement is routed efficiently and reviewed without delays. Please have the following available:

  • Purpose of the agreement
    If the request involves a non-research NDA, see the section below on where to direct it.
  • Principal Investigator (PI)
    Include the full name of the MIT PI overseeing the work.
  • Counterparty contact information
    Provide the organization’s name, mailing address, and a contact person’s name and email. This may be a company, data provider, or material provider.
  • Deadlines and key dates
    Indicate any relevant deadlines, meetings, or milestones that affect timing.
  • Additional context
    Share any background information that would help the Hermes team understand the request’s scope and urgency.
  • Documents
    Upload any draft agreements or other relevant materials received from the counterparty.

 

Using the Hermes Portal

  • Access credentials
    MIT Kerberos credentials are required to access the portal.
  • Save as you go
    You do not need to complete the submission in one sitting. You may save and return later. Please avoid starting a second submission for the same agreement.
  • Upload documents
    Attach any draft agreements or correspondence as part of your submission.
  • Authorized signers only
    Only designated signatories may execute agreements on behalf of MIT. Do not sign any documents yourself.
  • PI dashboard
    The portal allows PIs and their administrative delegates to view the status of active submissions. The dashboard also shows the Hermes team member assigned to the request and provides access to finalized, executed agreements.
  • Technical support
    If you experience issues with the portal, try clearing your browser cookies or using an alternate browser. For assistance, contact: hermes-team@mit.edu

 

Request an NDA, DUA or MTA

Determining the Purpose of a Confidentiality Agreement

Not all NDAs should be submitted through Hermes. Please follow this guidance based on the purpose of the agreement:

  • Non-research NDAs for purchases or services
    If your NDA relates to equipment, materials, consulting, or other services unrelated to research, contact the VPF Contracts team: vpf-contracts@mit.edu
    Staff directory: https://vpf.mit.edu/staff/2017

  • NDAs for licensing MIT technologies
    If your NDA supports a potential license to an external entity (such as a company or startup) and is not related to research, please contact the Technology Licensing Office (TLO). You may reach out to your licensing officer or to Caroline Basque.

  • If the purpose is unclear or involves both research and non-research elements
    Submit through Hermes. The Hermes team will coordinate with colleagues across relevant offices to ensure the request is properly reviewed and signed.

Sharing Confidential Information

Unpublished research data, lab activities, and early-stage results should be considered confidential. Before sharing this information externally, consider whether an invention disclosure should be submitted.

Even when an NDA is in place, submitting a disclosure can help protect MIT’s intellectual property.

Submit a disclosure to the TLO: https://tlo.mit.edu/researchers-mit-community/protect/submit-disclosure


Resources and Support

OSATT FAQs: https://osatt.mit.edu/about/faq

Data Use Agreements – Coming Soon

MTA Guidance – Coming Soon

COUHES: https://couhes.mit.edu/

IS&T: https://ist.mit.edu/

Questions? Email hermes-team@mit.edu