Glossary

The MIT Data Warehouse is a central data source which combines data from various Institute administrative systems. Access to the data is controlled by authorizations maintained within the ROLES Database.

A business that maintains a store, warehouse, or other establishment in which a line or lines of products are kept in inventory and are sold to the public on a wholesale or retail basis.

The disqualification of a person to receive invitations for bids or requests for proposals, or the award of a contract by a government body, for a specified time commensurate with the seriousness of the offense, the failure, or the inadequacy of performance.

Sum that a DLC must pay, per incident—not per item—in the event of a theft or property damage claim. The DLC is reimbursed for the replacement value of the item less the amount of the deductible.

Failure by a party to a contract to comply with contractual requirements.

Funds that have been collected but have yet to be earned, usually due to restrictions in time or requirement of deliverable results. For example, a customer pays an annual software license upfront on January 1st. If the vendor’s fiscal year-end is May 31, the vendor would record five months of the income as turnover in the profit and loss account. The rest would be accrued in the balance sheet as a deferred creditor.

One or more new items of equipment fabricated by a DLC, under contract, to be delivered to the contractor upon completion of such items.

The classification of an item as a deliverable end item is contingent with filing and approval of a budget for fabrication with Research Administration Services (RAS) in the Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR).

The formal handing over of property; the transfer of possession, such as by carrier to purchaser.

The detention of a ship, railroad, car or truck beyond a specified time for loading/unloading; the payment required and made for the delay.

Credit card issued to an MIT department, lab, or center for payment of expenses for approved business travel. The Departmental Card is used when a traveler does not have an individual MIT Travel Card.

A specification setting forth the required characteristics to be considered for award of contract, including sufficient detail to show how the product is to be manufactured.

The place to which a shipment is consigned.

As of summer 2023, this position title has replaced the title of Administrative Officer (AO) at the Institute.

A job position held in many departments, labs, and centers, the Director, Administration and Finance (DAF) is responsible for the general administrative functions of their DLC. The DAF is a key contact with central administrative areas including MIT Human Resources, VPF, IS&T, and others.

An MIT Department, Lab, or Center.

MIT Department, Lab, or Center administrators who are part of a peer-support program to promote best-practices and improve communication.

A SAP term, similar to "transaction type".

Foreign drafts or checks made payable in foreign currency.

Merchandise that is shipped by a manufacturer directly to a customer in response to the seller who collects orders but does not maintain an inventory.