Principal Investigator Eligibility and Institutional Exceptions

I. Policy Summary

Authorization to lead sponsored programs at NJIT is granted to individuals with a primary, full-time employment nexus to the University. This policy ensures that the Principal Investigator (PI) has the requisite authority to commit NJIT resources and ensure compliance with federal, state, and private sponsor regulations.

II. Policy Purpose

To establish criteria for PI eligibility that satisfy Uniform Guidance (2 CFR § 200.308) regarding the management of federal awards and to ensure institutional fiscal and ethical oversight.

III. Policy Scope and Applicability

This policy applies to all NJIT Colleges/Departments, and all externally funded sponsored programs (Federal, State, and Private).

IV. Definitions

• Principal Investigator (PI): The primary individual responsible for the scientific/technical direction of the project and the fiscal stewardship of awarded funds in compliance with 2 CFR 200.
• Key Personnel: Individuals who contribute to the scientific development or execution of a project in a substantive, measurable way.
• Uniform Guidance (UG): Federal framework (2 CFR 200) governing the administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for federal awards.

V. PI Eligibility Criteria

A. Standard Eligibility (Federal and General Standards)

Full-time Tenured/Tenure-track Faculty, University Lecturers, and Research Professors are automatically eligible to serve as PIs. They must maintain a continuous appointment for the duration of the project period.

B. Student-Led Proposals

In alignment with federal fellowship standards:

• Students cannot serve as independent PIs.
• A full-time Faculty member must serve as the Administrative PI for all student-led research (e.g., NSF GRFP, NIH F31).
• The Faculty PI is legally responsible for the student’s compliance and fund management.

C. State Funding Exceptions (New Jersey State Standards)

For proposals submitted to NJ State Agencies (e.g., NJDOT, NJDEP, NJDOL):

• PIs must ensure that their "Effort Reporting" aligns with specific State-mandated audit requirements, which may be more restrictive than Federal UG.
• If a project involves State-funded cost-sharing, Prior Written Approval and fund verification via a Restricted Account are mandatory before the PI may submit the proposal.

D. Exceptions for Part-Time/Adjunct Personnel

Requests for PIs not meeting standard criteria require an Exception Request.

• Authorization: Must be approved by the Senior Vice Provost for Research.
• Criteria: Must demonstrate a long-term commitment to NJIT and provide a "Sponsoring Departmental Memo" where the Chair guarantees space and administrative support if the part-time PI leaves the institution

VI. Roles and Responsibilities: The "Four Pillars" of Approval

When a Chair, Center Director, or Dean signs off on a proposal in Streamlyne, they are certifying four critical institutional commitments:

VII. Procedures

1. System Access: All proposals must be routed via Streamlyne.
2. Validation: SRA will verify PI eligibility upon the creation of a Proposal Development (PD) record.
3. Conflict Resolution: Questions regarding eligibility or "PI Status Exceptions" should be directed to the Director of Sponsored Research Administration.

Related Policies

• NJIT Policy 2.2: Submission of Sponsored Project Proposals
• NJIT Policy 2.4: Sponsored Projects Budget Preparation
• 2 CFR 200: Uniform Administrative Requirements