Effort Reporting

Overview

Effort Reporting is a process mandated by the federal government to verify that direct labor charges to, or cost shared on sponsored projects are accurate, timely, and reflect the actual level of work performed. Effort represents portions of time spent on a project expressed in percentages of total activity. 

The Office of Management and Budget Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards referred to as “UG” describes the requirements for certifying the effort of employees who are paid from sponsored projects (CFR §200.430).

The University requires that effort reports be certified two times per year using an “after the fact” method. It is important that the department effort coordinators, Principal Investigators, and other research personnel follow the University effort reporting procedures and guidelines to ensure timely approval.

For UMD Effort Certificate Procedure: Click Here

UMD Effort Certification Training guide for Manager & Reviewers: Click here

UMD Effort Certification Training guide for Principal Investigator or Employee-as-Self: Click here

Updated Feb 24, 2025