The Office of Trade Compliance (OTC) at the University of Pittsburgh was originally created (as the Office of Export Controls Services) to provide best practices advice and hands-on assistance to the University community for compliance with the U.S. export controls regulations. The OTC houses the Export Controls Officer who is responsible for identifying areas at the University that are affected by the export controls regulations and working with those areas to develop systems and procedures that comply with the regulations. Over time, the responsibilities of the office expanded to encompass a larger variety of trade related items.
Role of the Office of Trade Compliance (OTC)
The following specific services are offered through OTC:
- Identify and determine whether an import or export (including “deemed-export”) requires a license under the regulations;
- Assess whether a license exception or available general license can be applied to the situation;
- Complete and submit license applications to the relevant U.S. Government agency;
- Assist with completion and submission of additional documentation required under a license application or other University of Pittsburgh related business items;
- Advise on recordkeeping requirements;
- Provide interpretation and application of the export controls regulations for grant and contract reviews;
- Grant access to Restricted Party Screenings (RPS) tools and assistance;
- Inform and guide on transactions involving embargoed and sanctioned countries;
- Work collaboratively with other University offices, faculty and staff to construct appropriate procedures and safeguards related to export-controlled items, data and software, foreign nationals’ participation, visitors, international shipments, international travel, procurement, imports, and IT security.
The OTC is also responsible for developing and offering regular training sessions for the community as well as providing written advice that covers various topics of interest.