Federal and most other sponsors expect a commitment of effort from PIs/PDs for each project. Normally, commitment of effort is expressed as a percentage of effort* and shows how much time in relation to other UNH responsibilities the PI/PD will commit to the project.

PI/PD commitment of effort may be charged directly to the sponsor or cost shared. Effort proposed on a project is subject to approval by the PI’s/PD’s department chair and dean. PIs/PDs should expect to fulfill proposed commitments for awarded projects.

The general principles of PI/PD committed effort also apply to all “key personnel” proposed for the project.

Salaries for technical staff and students may be budgeted based on anticipated effort required to complete project goals. The PI/PD is responsible for following UNH policies in setting salary rates and defining job duties.

*Must be expressed in person-months for proposals submitted to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Visit the NIH Website for an explanation of person months and how to calculate them.