GovCon Glossary

1062 government contracting terms, acronyms, and definitions. Master the language of federal procurement.

8

8(a)

8(a) Business Development Program

The 8(a) Business Development Program is an SBA program providing business development assistance to...

Small business programs

A

A&AS

Advisory and Assistance Services

Advisory and Assistance Services are contractual services that provide assistance, advice, or suppor...

Award & contract administration

AAC

Agency Advocate for Competition

The Agency Advocate for Competition is a senior official responsible for promoting and monitoring fu...

Acquisition planning

ACAT

Acquisition Category

Acquisition Category is a classification system used primarily by the Department of Defense to categ...

Acquisition planning

ACC

Army Contracting Command

Army Contracting Command is the U.S. Army's principal contracting organization, responsible for acqu...

Award & contract administration

ACDBE

Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise is a certification program for small businesses...

Small business programs

ACH

Automated Clearing House

The Automated Clearing House is an electronic network for financial transactions in the United State...

Pricing & cost

ACM

Acquisition Career Manager

An Acquisition Career Manager is the government official responsible for managing acquisition workfo...

Acquisition planning

ACN

Award/Action Control Number

An Award/Action Control Number is a unique identifier assigned to track individual contract actions ...

Award & contract administration

ACO

Administrative Contracting Officer

An Administrative Contracting Officer is a contracting officer responsible for administering contrac...

Award & contract administration

ACOR

Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative

An Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative is an individual formally designated in writing to...

Performance management

ACQ

Acquisition

Acquisition refers to the process by which the federal government obtains supplies, services, and co...

Acquisition planning

ACQOS

Acquisition Oversight System

An Acquisition Oversight System is an automated tool or framework used by government agencies to mon...

Compliance & regulations

ACR

Appropriations Change Request

An Appropriations Change Request is a formal request to modify how appropriated funds are allocated ...

Pricing & cost

ACT

Actual Cost of Work Performed

Actual Cost of Work Performed represents the total direct and indirect costs actually incurred and r...

Pricing & cost

ACTEDS

Army Civilian Training, Education, and Development System

The Army Civilian Training, Education, and Development System is the Army's framework for developing...

Performance management

ACWP

Actual Cost of Work Performed

Actual Cost of Work Performed is an earned value management metric representing the total costs actu...

Pricing & cost

ADR

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative Dispute Resolution encompasses methods for resolving contract disputes outside of formal...

Award & contract administration

AE

Acquisition Executive

The Acquisition Executive is a senior official responsible for directing and managing acquisition ac...

Acquisition planning

AEDA

Acquisition Executive Decision Authority

Acquisition Executive Decision Authority refers to the level of authority required to approve major ...

Acquisition planning

AEW

Analysis of Estimated Work

An Analysis of Estimated Work is a detailed examination of the effort required to complete proposed ...

Proposal development

AFARS

Army Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement

The Army Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement contains acquisition regulations specific to U.S....

Compliance & regulations

AFB

Air Force Base

An Air Force Base is a U.S. Air Force installation that serves as a center for military operations, ...

Award & contract administration

AFEB

Award Fee Evaluation Board

The Award Fee Evaluation Board is a group of government officials responsible for evaluating contrac...

Performance management

AFMC

Air Force Materiel Command

Air Force Materiel Command is the U.S. Air Force major command responsible for research, development...

Award & contract administration

AFR

Agency Financial Report

An Agency Financial Report is an annual report that provides financial and performance information a...

Compliance & regulations

AFWERX

Air Force Innovation Program

AFWERX is the U.S. Air Force innovation arm that connects innovators with Air Force challenges throu...

Acquisition planning

AIMD

Acquisition Information Management Division

An Acquisition Information Management Division is an organizational element responsible for managing...

Award & contract administration

ALC

Air Logistics Complex

An Air Logistics Complex is an Air Force installation that performs depot-level maintenance, repair,...

Award & contract administration

AMCOM

Aviation and Missile Command

The Aviation and Missile Command is the U.S. Army's life cycle management command for aviation, miss...

Award & contract administration

AMOD

Acquisition Method of Delivery

Acquisition Method of Delivery refers to the mechanism through which the government acquires and del...

Acquisition planning

AMRDEC

Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center

The Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center was the U.S. Army's principal...

Acquisition planning

ANCP

Agency Negotiated Cost Proposal

An Agency Negotiated Cost Proposal is a cost proposal that has been reviewed, analyzed, and negotiat...

Pricing & cost

AOR

Area of Responsibility

An Area of Responsibility is a defined geographic region assigned to a military command for operatio...

Award & contract administration

AP

Acquisition Plan

An Acquisition Plan is a comprehensive document that describes the approach for acquiring supplies o...

Acquisition planning

APA

Advance Procurement Authority

Advance Procurement Authority is the authorization to procure long-lead items, materials, or compone...

Acquisition planning

APM

Assistant Program Manager

An Assistant Program Manager supports the Program Manager in overseeing all aspects of a government ...

Performance management

APS

Acquisition Planning Sheet

An Acquisition Planning Sheet is a document used by contracting offices to capture essential informa...

Acquisition planning

AQ

Acquisition Quality

Acquisition Quality refers to the standards, processes, and practices that ensure procured goods and...

Performance management

AQL

Acceptable Quality Level

Acceptable Quality Level is the maximum percentage or proportion of defective units or defects that ...

Performance management

AR

Agency Report

An Agency Report is the formal written response submitted by a contracting agency to the Government ...

Compliance & regulations

AROC

Acquisition Review Oversight Council

An Acquisition Review Oversight Council is a senior-level body that reviews major acquisition decisi...

Acquisition planning

ASA(ALT)

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology

The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology is the senior civilian...

Acquisition planning

ASBCA

Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals

The Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals is an independent tribunal that hears and decides contr...

Compliance & regulations

ASFF

Afghanistan Security Forces Fund

The Afghanistan Security Forces Fund was a congressionally appropriated fund that supported training...

Award & contract administration

ASPR

Armed Services Procurement Regulation

The Armed Services Procurement Regulation was the predecessor to the Defense Federal Acquisition Reg...

Compliance & regulations

ATE

Automatic Test Equipment

Automatic Test Equipment refers to computer-controlled systems used to test electronic components, c...

Award & contract administration

ATO

Authority to Operate

An Authority to Operate is the formal authorization granted to an information system to process, sto...

Compliance & regulations

ATR

After-Action Review

An After-Action Review is a structured review process conducted after a project, event, or activity ...

Performance management

AV

Avoidable Variance

Avoidable Variance refers to cost or schedule deviations that could have been prevented through bett...

Pricing & cost

B

BAA

Broad Agency Announcement

A Broad Agency Announcement is a competitive solicitation procedure used to obtain proposals for bas...

Acquisition planning

BAFO

Best and Final Offer

A Best and Final Offer is a contractor's final revised proposal submitted after discussions with the...

Proposal development

BCA

Best-Value Cost Analysis

Best-Value Cost Analysis is the evaluation methodology used to compare competing proposals when awar...

Pricing & cost

BCL

Baseline Control Level

Baseline Control Level refers to the management authority level at which changes to program baseline...

Performance management

BCM

Business Clearance Memorandum

A Business Clearance Memorandum is an internal government document that documents the contracting of...

Award & contract administration

BCWP

Budgeted Cost of Work Performed

Budgeted Cost of Work Performed is the earned value metric representing the budget authorized for wo...

Pricing & cost

BCWPV

Budgeted Cost of Work Performed Variance

Budgeted Cost of Work Performed Variance measures the difference between the budgeted value of work ...

Pricing & cost

BCWS

Budgeted Cost of Work Scheduled

Budgeted Cost of Work Scheduled is the earned value metric representing the budget authorized for wo...

Pricing & cost

BHS

Bid History Summary

A Bid History Summary is a compilation of historical bidding data for a specific requirement or comm...

Pricing & cost

BIA

Business Impact Analysis

A Business Impact Analysis is an assessment that identifies critical business functions and the pote...

Performance management

BID

Bid Information Document

A Bid Information Document is a supplementary document provided with solicitations that contains inf...

Proposal development

BLI

Budget Line Item

A Budget Line Item is a discrete element within a budget structure that allocates funding for a spec...

Pricing & cost

BLS

Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a federal agency within the Department of Labor responsible for co...

Pricing & cost

BMMP

Business Management Modernization Program

A Business Management Modernization Program is an initiative to transform and improve an organizatio...

Performance management

BOA

Basic Ordering Agreement

A Basic Ordering Agreement is a written instrument of understanding between the government and a con...

Award & contract administration

BOBO

Base Operations and Building Operations

Base Operations and Building Operations refers to the comprehensive support services required to ope...

Award & contract administration

BOE

Basis of Estimate

A Basis of Estimate is a document that explains and supports the rationale, assumptions, methodology...

Proposal development

BOP

Basic Ordering Period

A Basic Ordering Period is the initial time frame during which the government may place orders again...

Award & contract administration

BOS

Base Operations Support

Base Operations Support encompasses the services required to operate, maintain, and support military...

Award & contract administration

BP

Budget Program

A Budget Program is an organized set of activities and resources directed toward a common purpose or...

Pricing & cost

BPA

Blanket Purchase Agreement

A Blanket Purchase Agreement is a simplified acquisition method establishing charge accounts with qu...

Award & contract administration

BPAA

BPA Agreement Authorization

A BPA Agreement Authorization is the formal document that establishes and authorizes a Blanket Purch...

Award & contract administration

BPC

Bona Fide Needs Rule

The Bona Fide Needs Rule is a fundamental fiscal law principle requiring that appropriated funds may...

Compliance & regulations

BPI

Business Process Improvement

Business Process Improvement refers to systematic efforts to analyze, measure, and enhance organizat...

Performance management

BPN

Business Partner Network

A Business Partner Network is the system of relationships, agreements, and information exchanges bet...

Proposal development

BPR

Business Process Reengineering

Business Process Reengineering is the fundamental rethinking and radical redesign of business proces...

Performance management

BRAC

Base Realignment and Closure

Base Realignment and Closure is the congressionally authorized process for closing, realigning, or c...

Acquisition planning

BRD

Business Requirements Document

A Business Requirements Document captures the business objectives, stakeholder needs, and functional...

Acquisition planning

BRM

Business Relationship Manager

A Business Relationship Manager is a role focused on developing and maintaining productive relations...

Performance management

BSC

Balanced Scorecard

A Balanced Scorecard is a strategic performance management framework that measures organizational pe...

Performance management

BSM

Business Systems Modernization

Business Systems Modernization refers to initiatives that upgrade or replace legacy business systems...

Performance management

BTR

Buyer Technical Representative

A Buyer Technical Representative is a government employee designated to provide technical expertise ...

Performance management

BTU

Blanket Tasking Unit

A Blanket Tasking Unit is a pre-established work unit or service increment used to simplify ordering...

Pricing & cost

BU

Business Unit

A Business Unit is an organizational segment within a company that operates with defined responsibil...

Pricing & cost

C

C&A

Certification and Accreditation

Certification and Accreditation is the process of evaluating, testing, and authorizing information s...

Compliance & regulations

CAAS

Contract Advisory and Assistance Services

Contract Advisory and Assistance Services encompass professional support services that assist govern...

Award & contract administration

CAB

Change Advisory Board

A Change Advisory Board is a governance body that reviews, evaluates, and approves or rejects propos...

Performance management

CAC

Common Access Card

The Common Access Card is the standard identification card issued to DoD military personnel, civilia...

Compliance & regulations

CAF

Contract Access Fee

A Contract Access Fee is a charge assessed by a contract-holding agency on orders placed by other ag...

Pricing & cost

CAGE

Commercial and Government Entity Code

A Commercial and Government Entity Code is a five-character identifier assigned to entities that con...

Compliance & regulations

CAGEC

Commercial and Government Entity Code Change

A Commercial and Government Entity Code Change is a modification to a company's CAGE code informatio...

Compliance & regulations

CAIV

Cost As an Independent Variable

Cost As an Independent Variable is an acquisition management approach where cost is treated as a fix...

Acquisition planning

CAO

Contract Administration Office

A Contract Administration Office is the government organization responsible for administering contra...

Award & contract administration

CAP

Corrective Action Plan

A Corrective Action Plan is a formal document that identifies deficiencies in contractor performance...

Performance management

CAPR

Contract Administration Plan Report

A Contract Administration Plan Report documents the planned approach for administering a contract, i...

Award & contract administration

CAR

Contract Action Report

A Contract Action Report is the data record submitted to the Federal Procurement Data System documen...

Compliance & regulations

CAS

Cost Accounting Standards

Cost Accounting Standards are a set of rules issued by the Cost Accounting Standards Board governing...

Pricing & cost

CAV

Contractor Assistance Visit

A Contractor Assistance Visit is a government visit to contractor facilities to provide guidance, re...

Performance management

CBA

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Cost-Benefit Analysis is an analytical method used to evaluate the economic merits of an acquisition...

Pricing & cost

CBCA

Civilian Board of Contract Appeals

The Civilian Board of Contract Appeals is an independent tribunal that decides contract disputes bet...

Compliance & regulations

CBI

Contractor Business Information

Contractor Business Information refers to proprietary or sensitive business data submitted by contra...

Compliance & regulations

CBP

Customs and Border Protection

Customs and Border Protection is the federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security respo...

Compliance & regulations

CBPA

Contracting Business Process Automation

Contracting Business Process Automation refers to the use of technology to automate repetitive tasks...

Acquisition planning

CBR

Cost and Business Review

A Cost and Business Review is a formal periodic review examining contractor cost performance, busine...

Performance management

CBT

Contractor Bid Time

Contractor Bid Time refers to the period allowed for contractors to prepare and submit proposals or ...

Proposal development

CC

Contract Clause

A Contract Clause is a specific provision within a contract that establishes requirements, terms, co...

Award & contract administration

CCAR

Congressional Contract Action Report

A Congressional Contract Action Report is a report provided to Congress documenting significant cont...

Compliance & regulations

CCB

Configuration Control Board

A Configuration Control Board is a governance body that reviews, evaluates, and approves or disappro...

Performance management

CCI

Controlled Cryptographic Item

A Controlled Cryptographic Item is a secure telecommunications or information handling equipment tha...

Compliance & regulations

CCO

Contingency Contracting Officer

A Contingency Contracting Officer is a contracting officer specifically trained and deployed to prov...

Award & contract administration

CCP

Competition Contracting Plan

A Competition Contracting Plan documents an organization's strategy for maximizing competition in it...

Acquisition planning

CCR

Central Contractor Registration

Central Contractor Registration was the primary database for vendor registration with the federal go...

Compliance & regulations

CCTV

Closed-Circuit Television

Closed-Circuit Television refers to video surveillance systems used for security monitoring where si...

Performance management

CD

Concept Definition

Concept Definition is an early acquisition phase where potential solutions are explored, analyzed, a...

Acquisition planning

CDA

Contract Disputes Act

The Contract Disputes Act is the federal statute that establishes procedures for resolving disputes ...

Compliance & regulations

CDI

Critical Design Issue

A Critical Design Issue is a significant technical problem or risk identified during design review t...

Performance management

CDR

Critical Design Review

A Critical Design Review is a major technical review that evaluates the maturity of a detailed desig...

Performance management

CDRL

Contract Data Requirements List

A Contract Data Requirements List specifies all data deliverables required under a contract, includi...

Award & contract administration

CDRLITE

Streamlined Contract Data Requirements List

CDRLITE is a simplified version of the Contract Data Requirements List process designed to reduce ad...

Award & contract administration

CDS

Classified Delivery System

A Classified Delivery System refers to secure methods and infrastructure for transporting classified...

Compliance & regulations

CE

Cost Estimate

A Cost Estimate is an assessment of the likely costs to complete a defined scope of work, developed ...

Pricing & cost

CEB

Contract Evaluation Board

A Contract Evaluation Board is a formal body convened to evaluate proposals, assess offeror capabili...

Proposal development

CEC

Contracting Enterprise Council

A Contracting Enterprise Council is a governance body that coordinates acquisition policy, practices...

Acquisition planning

CEN

Contracting Enterprise Network

A Contracting Enterprise Network refers to the interconnected systems, organizations, and processes ...

Award & contract administration

CEO

Chief Executive Officer

The Chief Executive Officer is the highest-ranking executive in a contractor organization, responsib...

Proposal development

CEP

Circular Error Probable

Circular Error Probable is a measure of weapon system accuracy, defined as the radius of a circle wi...

Performance management

CER

Cost Estimating Relationship

A Cost Estimating Relationship is a mathematical expression that relates cost to one or more indepen...

Pricing & cost

CFD

Contract Financing Document

A Contract Financing Document authorizes and tracks contract financing payments such as progress pay...

Pricing & cost

CFE

Contractor Furnished Equipment

Contractor Furnished Equipment refers to equipment that the contractor provides for use in contract ...

Award & contract administration

CFM

Contractor Furnished Material

Contractor Furnished Material refers to materials, supplies, and components that the contractor prov...

Award & contract administration

CFR

Code of Federal Regulations

The Code of Federal Regulations is the codification of general and permanent rules published by fede...

Compliance & regulations

CFSR

Contractor Financial Status Report

A Contractor Financial Status Report is a periodic financial report submitted by contractors to prov...

Pricing & cost

CFTE

Contract Full-Time Equivalent

A Contract Full-Time Equivalent is a measurement unit representing one person working full-time on a...

Pricing & cost

CG

Commanding General

A Commanding General is the senior military officer in command of a major Army unit, installation, o...

Award & contract administration

CGO

Contracting General Officer

A Contracting General Officer is a military general officer serving in a contracting leadership posi...

Award & contract administration

CHESS

Computer Hardware, Enterprise Software and Solutions

Computer Hardware, Enterprise Software and Solutions is the U.S. Army's mandatory source for commerc...

Acquisition planning

CI

Commercial Item

A Commercial Item is a product or service that is sold, leased, or licensed to the general public, o...

Acquisition planning

CIARDS

Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System

The Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System is a specialized retirement program...

Pricing & cost

CICA

Competition in Contracting Act

The Competition in Contracting Act is landmark legislation requiring federal agencies to obtain full...

Compliance & regulations

CICAO

Competition in Contracting Act Officer

A Competition in Contracting Act Officer is a designated official responsible for ensuring complianc...

Acquisition planning

CID

Commercial Item Description

A Commercial Item Description is a simplified product description that describes commercial products...

Acquisition planning

CIO

Chief Information Officer

The Chief Information Officer is the senior official responsible for information technology manageme...

Acquisition planning

CIP

Corrective Improvement Plan

A Corrective Improvement Plan is a structured approach for addressing identified deficiencies in pro...

Performance management

CIR

Contract Issue Report

A Contract Issue Report is a document that identifies and tracks problems, concerns, or questions ar...

Award & contract administration

CJB

Contract Justification Brief

A Contract Justification Brief is an internal government document that summarizes the rationale for ...

Acquisition planning

CL

Contract Length

Contract Length refers to the total duration of a contract including base period and all options. CL...

Award & contract administration

CLIN

Contract Line Item Number

A Contract Line Item Number is a unique identifier for each separately priced item or service in a c...

Award & contract administration

CLRA

Contract Labor Requirements Adjustment

A Contract Labor Requirements Adjustment is a modification to contract labor specifications, typical...

Award & contract administration

CM

Configuration Management

Configuration Management is a discipline that establishes and maintains consistency of a product's p...

Performance management

CMC

Contract Management Center

A Contract Management Center is an organizational unit responsible for centralized contract administ...

Award & contract administration

CMMC

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is a DoD framework for assessing and certifying contr...

Compliance & regulations

CMMI

Capability Maturity Model Integration

Capability Maturity Model Integration is a process improvement framework that provides organizations...

Performance management

CMP

Configuration Management Plan

A Configuration Management Plan is a comprehensive document that describes how Configuration Managem...

Performance management

CMR

Contractor Manpower Reporting

Contractor Manpower Reporting is a DoD requirement for contractors to report labor hours expended on...

Compliance & regulations

CN

Change Notice

A Change Notice is a document issued to communicate changes to contract requirements, specifications...

Award & contract administration

CNA

Cost Non-Add

Cost Non-Add refers to cost elements that are not included in calculation bases for indirect rate ap...

Pricing & cost

CND

Contract Negotiation Document

A Contract Negotiation Document is an internal government record that documents the negotiation proc...

Acquisition planning

CNS

Contract Numbering System

A Contract Numbering System is a standardized approach for assigning unique identifiers to contracts...

Award & contract administration

CO

Contracting Officer

A Contracting Officer is a government official with the legal authority to enter into, administer, m...

Award & contract administration

COA

Course of Action

A Course of Action is a potential approach for accomplishing a mission, solving a problem, or respon...

Acquisition planning

COAR

Contracting Officer's Award Report

The Contracting Officer's Award Report documents the contracting officer's rationale for contract aw...

Award & contract administration

COB

Close of Business

Close of Business refers to the end of the business day, typically used as a deadline for submission...

Award & contract administration

COC

Certificate of Competency

A Certificate of Competency is an SBA determination that a small business has the capability to perf...

Small business programs

COCO

Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated

Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated describes facilities where the contractor owns the physical pl...

Award & contract administration

COE

Corps of Engineers

The Corps of Engineers, formally the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), is a major command that p...

Compliance & regulations

COFC

Court of Federal Claims

The Court of Federal Claims is a federal court that hears monetary claims against the United States ...

Compliance & regulations

COI

Conflict of Interest

A Conflict of Interest exists when a contractor's financial interests, relationships, or activities ...

Compliance & regulations

COM

Contracting Officer's Memorandum

A Contracting Officer's Memorandum is a formal written communication from the contracting officer do...

Award & contract administration

COMINT

Communications Intelligence

Communications Intelligence refers to intelligence derived from intercepted communications, excludin...

Compliance & regulations

COMP

Competition Advocate Office

The Competition Advocate Office promotes full and open competition in government contracting and rev...

Acquisition planning

CONOPS

Concept of Operations

A Concept of Operations is a document that describes how a system, capability, or organization will ...

Acquisition planning

CONUS

Continental United States

Continental United States refers to the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, excluding...

Award & contract administration

CONUS-OCONUS

Continental/Outside Continental U.S.

CONUS-OCONUS distinguishes between locations within the Continental United States and those outside ...

Award & contract administration

COP

Contract Ordering Period

A Contract Ordering Period is the timeframe during which orders may be placed under an indefinite de...

Award & contract administration

COPS

Contracting Operations System

A Contracting Operations System is an information technology system that supports contracting office...

Award & contract administration

COR

Contracting Officer's Representative

A Contracting Officer's Representative is an individual formally designated in writing by the contra...

Award & contract administration

COTR

Contracting Officer's Technical Representative

A Contracting Officer's Technical Representative is an alternative title for a COR, emphasizing the ...

Performance management

CP

Cost Plus

Cost Plus refers to a category of contract types where the government reimburses the contractor for ...

Pricing & cost

CPAF

Cost Plus Award Fee

A Cost Plus Award Fee contract reimburses allowable costs plus a base fee and an award fee based on ...

Pricing & cost

CPAM

Contract Performance Assessment Manual

A Contract Performance Assessment Manual provides guidance and procedures for conducting contractor ...

Performance management

CPARS

Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

CPARS is the government-wide web application used by federal agencies to document and share narrativ...

Past performance

CPARS-SR

CPARS Statistical Reporting

CPARS Statistical Reporting provides aggregate analysis and metrics on contractor performance assess...

Performance management

CPD

Capability Production Document

A Capability Production Document is a requirements document that authorizes entry into the Productio...

Acquisition planning

CPFF

Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee

A Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee contract reimburses the contractor for allowable costs incurred in performing ...

Pricing & cost

CPI

Cost Performance Index

The Cost Performance Index is an earned value management metric calculated as earned value divided b...

Pricing & cost

CPIC

Capital Planning and Investment Control

Capital Planning and Investment Control is a decision-making process for federal IT investments, ens...

Pricing & cost

CPIF

Cost Plus Incentive Fee

A Cost Plus Incentive Fee contract reimburses allowable costs plus a fee that varies based on the re...

Pricing & cost

CPM

Critical Path Method

The Critical Path Method is a project management technique that identifies the longest sequence of d...

Performance management

CPPC

Cost Plus Percentage of Cost

Cost Plus Percentage of Cost is a contract type where fee increases proportionally with costs incurr...

Pricing & cost

CPPCF

Cost Plus Percentage of Cost Fee

Cost Plus Percentage of Cost Fee is a contract type where the contractor's fee is calculated as a pe...

Pricing & cost

CPSR

Contractor Purchasing System Review

A Contractor Purchasing System Review is a DCMA evaluation of a contractor's purchasing system to de...

Compliance & regulations

CR

Contract Requirements

Contract Requirements encompass all specifications, terms, conditions, and deliverables that define ...

Award & contract administration

CRB

Contract Review Board

A Contract Review Board is an internal governance body that reviews and approves proposed contract a...

Award & contract administration

CRD

Competitive Range Determination

A Competitive Range Determination is the contracting officer's decision identifying which proposals ...

Proposal development

CRL

Contract Requirements List

A Contract Requirements List is a compilation of all technical, administrative, and deliverable requ...

Acquisition planning

CRM

Customer Relationship Management

Customer Relationship Management in government contracting refers to systems and processes for manag...

Acquisition planning

CRP

Capacity Requirements Planning

Capacity Requirements Planning is a logistics and manufacturing process that determines the producti...

Award & contract administration

CRS

Congressional Research Service

The Congressional Research Service is a legislative branch agency that provides nonpartisan research...

Compliance & regulations

CSA

Cooperative Support Agreement

A Cooperative Support Agreement is an arrangement between government entities or between government ...

Award & contract administration

CSO

Commercial Solutions Opening

A Commercial Solutions Opening is an acquisition method that allows agencies to engage with industry...

Acquisition planning

CSRD

Cost Schedule Risk Database

The Cost Schedule Risk Database is a repository of historical cost and schedule data used for risk a...

Pricing & cost

CTA

Contractor Team Arrangement

A Contractor Team Arrangement is a formal agreement between two or more contractors to work together...

Proposal development

CTO

Chief Technology Officer

The Chief Technology Officer is a senior executive responsible for technology strategy and innovatio...

Acquisition planning

CUI

Controlled Unclassified Information

Controlled Unclassified Information is government-created or owned information that requires safegua...

Compliance & regulations

CWIP

Construction Work in Progress

Construction Work in Progress refers to the accounting for costs of construction projects that are n...

Pricing & cost

D

D&F

Determination and Findings

A Determination and Findings is a formal document required by regulation before taking certain contr...

Acquisition planning

DA

Departmental Administration

Departmental Administration refers to the administrative functions and offices supporting agency ope...

Acquisition planning

DAA

Delegation of Acquisition Authority

Delegation of Acquisition Authority is a formal grant of contracting authority from a higher officia...

Award & contract administration

DAB

Defense Acquisition Board

The Defense Acquisition Board is the DoD's senior-level forum for reviewing major defense acquisitio...

Acquisition planning

DAT

Data Acceptance Test

A Data Acceptance Test is a formal evaluation to verify that data deliverables meet specified requir...

Performance management

DB

Design-Build

Design-Build is a project delivery method where a single entity provides both design and constructio...

Acquisition planning

DBA

Davis-Bacon Act

The Davis-Bacon Act is a federal law requiring payment of prevailing wages to laborers and mechanics...

Compliance & regulations

DBE

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise is a for-profit small business owned and controlled by socially ...

Small business programs

DBR

Design Basis Requirement

A Design Basis Requirement defines the fundamental criteria and parameters that establish the design...

Acquisition planning

DC

Direct Cost

Direct Costs are expenses that can be specifically identified with a particular contract, project, o...

Pricing & cost

DCAA

Defense Contract Audit Agency

The Defense Contract Audit Agency is the DoD agency responsible for auditing defense contractors' co...

Compliance & regulations

DCADS

Defense Contract Action Data System

The Defense Contract Action Data System collects and reports data on DoD contract actions. DCADS fee...

Acquisition planning

DCG

Desktop Contract Guide

A Desktop Contract Guide is a quick-reference resource providing contracting personnel with procedur...

Award & contract administration

DCI

Data Call Instruction

A Data Call Instruction directs organizations to submit specific information by a certain deadline. ...

Compliance & regulations

DCIIS

Defense Contracting Information and Integration System

The Defense Contracting Information and Integration System is a DoD information system that supports...

Award & contract administration

DCMA

Defense Contract Management Agency

The Defense Contract Management Agency is the DoD agency that administers defense contracts on behal...

Award & contract administration

DCO

Digital Contracting Office

A Digital Contracting Office represents the modernization of contracting operations through digital ...

Award & contract administration

DCP

Data Call Package

A Data Call Package is a structured request for information from contractors or program offices, typ...

Proposal development

DD

Department of Defense Form

DD is the prefix for Department of Defense standard forms used in defense contracting and administra...

Award & contract administration

DD254

Department of Defense Contract Security Classification Specification

The DD Form 254 is the official document that conveys security classification requirements and guida...

Compliance & regulations

DD2579

Small Business Coordination Record

The DD Form 2579 is a DoD form documenting the coordination process for determining whether acquisit...

Small business programs

DDA

Deputy Director for Acquisition

The Deputy Director for Acquisition is a senior official supporting the acquisition executive in man...

Acquisition planning

DDR

Data Delivery Requirement

A Data Delivery Requirement specifies the data products, formats, schedules, and delivery methods fo...

Award & contract administration

DDS

Data Distribution System

A Data Distribution System is infrastructure and processes for disseminating data to authorized user...

Award & contract administration

DEA

Drug Enforcement Administration

The Drug Enforcement Administration is a federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Jus...

Compliance & regulations

DEAMS

Defense Enterprise Accounting and Management System

The Defense Enterprise Accounting and Management System is the Air Force's enterprise resource plann...

Award & contract administration

DEC

Determination of Essential Contractor

A Determination of Essential Contractor is a designation identifying contractor employees as essenti...

Award & contract administration

DEIA

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility refers to federal initiatives and requirements promo...

Compliance & regulations

DEOP

Defense Emergency Operations Plan

A Defense Emergency Operations Plan outlines DoD procedures and responsibilities for responding to e...

Compliance & regulations

DEP

Defense Enterprise Portal

A Defense Enterprise Portal is a web-based platform providing centralized access to DoD information ...

Award & contract administration

DESC

Defense Energy Support Center

The Defense Energy Support Center was the DoD organization responsible for providing energy products...

Compliance & regulations

DF

Direct Funding

Direct Funding refers to budget authority provided directly for a specific program, project, or acti...

Pricing & cost

DFARS

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement

The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement is the Department of Defense implementation an...

Compliance & regulations

DFAS

Defense Finance and Accounting Service

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service is the DoD agency responsible for payment services to mil...

Award & contract administration

DFI

Defense Financial Institution

A Defense Financial Institution is a banking facility authorized to provide financial services on mi...

Award & contract administration

DFSC

Defense Fuel Supply Center

The Defense Fuel Supply Center was the DoD organization managing bulk petroleum procurement and dist...

Compliance & regulations

DG

Directive Guidance

Directive Guidance refers to authoritative instructions from higher headquarters or leadership that ...

Compliance & regulations

DHHS

Department of Health and Human Services

The Department of Health and Human Services (also abbreviated HHS) is the principal federal agency r...

Compliance & regulations

DHS

Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security is a cabinet-level agency responsible for border security, cyber...

Acquisition planning

DIB

Defense Industrial Base

The Defense Industrial Base encompasses the companies, suppliers, and infrastructure that design, de...

Compliance & regulations

DIC

Document Identification Code

A Document Identification Code is a standardized identifier used in logistics and supply chain syste...

Award & contract administration

DID

Data Item Description

A Data Item Description defines the format, content, and preparation instructions for data deliverab...

Award & contract administration

DIDB

Data Item Description Bank

The Data Item Description Bank is a repository of approved Data Item Descriptions used to specify da...

Acquisition planning

DIFS

Defense Integrated Financial System

The Defense Integrated Financial System is a DoD financial management system providing accounting, b...

Award & contract administration

DIR

Delivery Information Request

A Delivery Information Request is a communication seeking information about delivery schedules, ship...

Award & contract administration

DISA

Defense Information Systems Agency

The Defense Information Systems Agency is the DoD combat support agency providing IT and communicati...

Compliance & regulations

DISN

Defense Information Systems Network

The Defense Information Systems Network is the DoD enterprise network infrastructure providing globa...

Compliance & regulations

DITCO

Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization

The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization is a DISA component responsible for acqu...

Award & contract administration

DL

Direct Labor

Direct Labor refers to labor costs that can be specifically identified with and charged directly to ...

Pricing & cost

DLA

Defense Logistics Agency

The Defense Logistics Agency is the DoD combat logistics support agency providing supplies, services...

Acquisition planning

DLH

Direct Labor Hour

A Direct Labor Hour is a unit of measure representing one hour of work performed directly on a contr...

Pricing & cost

DLR

Depot-Level Repairable

A Depot-Level Repairable is a component or assembly that is economically repairable at depot mainten...

Award & contract administration

DM

Data Management

Data Management encompasses the policies, procedures, and practices for collecting, storing, organiz...

Performance management

DMCA

Data Management and Control Agreement

A Data Management and Control Agreement is a contractual document establishing responsibilities, pro...

Award & contract administration

DMLSS

Defense Medical Logistics Standard Support

Defense Medical Logistics Standard Support is the DoD enterprise system for medical logistics manage...

Award & contract administration

DMS

Document Management System

A Document Management System provides electronic storage, retrieval, and tracking of documents. In g...

Performance management

DMSMS

Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages

Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages refers to the loss of manufacturers or supp...

Acquisition planning

DNI

Director of National Intelligence

The Director of National Intelligence leads the U.S. Intelligence Community and serves as the princi...

Acquisition planning

DNS

Delivery and Negotiation Schedule

A Delivery and Negotiation Schedule establishes timelines for contract deliverables and negotiation ...

Award & contract administration

DO

Delivery Order

A Delivery Order is an order placed against an existing contract for supplies or products. Unlike ta...

Award & contract administration

DOC

Department of Commerce

The Department of Commerce is a cabinet-level federal agency promoting economic growth, job creation...

Compliance & regulations

DoD

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense is the federal department responsible for national security and military o...

Acquisition planning

DODI

Department of Defense Instruction

A Department of Defense Instruction is a policy document establishing requirements for DoD component...

Compliance & regulations

DoDISS

Department of Defense Index of Specifications and Standards

The Department of Defense Index of Specifications and Standards is the official repository of milita...

Compliance & regulations

DOE

Department of Energy

The Department of Energy is the cabinet-level agency responsible for energy policy, nuclear security...

Acquisition planning

DOI

Department of the Interior

The Department of the Interior is a cabinet-level federal agency managing federal lands, natural res...

Compliance & regulations

DOJ

Department of Justice

The Department of Justice is the federal department responsible for law enforcement and administrati...

Acquisition planning

DOL

Department of Labor

The Department of Labor administers federal labor laws including those affecting government contract...

Compliance & regulations

DOLHR

Department of Labor Hourly Rate

Department of Labor Hourly Rate refers to wage rates established by the Department of Labor for serv...

Compliance & regulations

DOP

Directorate of Procurement

A Directorate of Procurement is an organizational unit within a government agency or military comman...

Award & contract administration

DoS

Department of State

The Department of State is the executive department responsible for foreign policy and international...

Acquisition planning

DOT

Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation oversees federal transportation programs and infrastructure. DOT co...

Acquisition planning

DOT&E

Director, Operational Test and Evaluation

The Director, Operational Test and Evaluation is the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense o...

Performance management

DOW

Days of Work

Days of Work refers to the number of working days allocated or required for contract performance, ta...

Award & contract administration

DPA

Delegation of Procurement Authority

Delegation of Procurement Authority is formal authorization for an official to execute procurement a...

Award & contract administration

DPA-S

Delegation of Procurement Authority – Specific

A Delegation of Procurement Authority – Specific is a targeted authorization granting procurement au...

Award & contract administration

DPAS

Defense Priorities and Allocations System

The Defense Priorities and Allocations System is a program ensuring timely availability of industria...

Compliance & regulations

DPC

Defense Pricing and Contracting

Defense Pricing and Contracting is the office within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense fo...

Compliance & regulations

DPI

Data Performance Indicator

A Data Performance Indicator is a metric used to measure and track performance in data-related activ...

Performance management

DPPH

Defense Pricing and Procurment Handbook

The Defense Pricing and Procurement Handbook provides comprehensive guidance on defense acquisition ...

Pricing & cost

DR

Deficiency Report

A Deficiency Report is a formal document identifying a condition that does not meet specified requir...

Performance management

DRD

Data Requirements Description

A Data Requirements Description is a document specifying the data products required under a contract...

Acquisition planning

DRFP

Draft Request for Proposal

A Draft Request for Proposal is a preliminary version of a solicitation released for industry review...

Proposal development

DRFPQ

Draft Request for Proposal/Quotation

A Draft Request for Proposal/Quotation is a preliminary version of a solicitation released for indus...

Proposal development

DRMS

Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service

The Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service was the DoD organization managing disposal and reuti...

Award & contract administration

DS

Data Sheet

A Data Sheet is a document providing technical specifications, characteristics, and parameters for p...

Proposal development

DSBS

Dynamic Small Business Search

The Dynamic Small Business Search is an online database maintained by SBA that allows government age...

Small business programs

DSCA

Defense Security Cooperation Agency

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency is the DoD organization managing security cooperation progra...

Compliance & regulations

DSN

Defense Switched Network

The Defense Switched Network is the DoD's private telephone network providing secure and non-secure ...

Compliance & regulations

DSSR

Department of State Standardized Regulations

The Department of State Standardized Regulations govern allowances, differentials, and benefits for ...

Pricing & cost

DT

Developmental Test

Developmental Testing is the evaluation of systems or components during development to verify design...

Performance management

DTIC

Defense Technical Information Center

The Defense Technical Information Center is the DoD repository for scientific and technical informat...

Compliance & regulations

DTL

Data Transmittal Letter

A Data Transmittal Letter is a formal cover document accompanying data deliverables, identifying the...

Award & contract administration

E

E-LRP

Electronic Long-Range Procurement Plan

An Electronic Long-Range Procurement Plan is a digital planning document outlining anticipated procu...

Acquisition planning

EA

Executive Agent

An Executive Agent is a DoD component designated to lead and manage a specific function, program, or...

Acquisition planning

EAJA

Equal Access to Justice Act

The Equal Access to Justice Act is a federal statute allowing certain prevailing parties in disputes...

Compliance & regulations

EC

Electronic Commerce

Electronic Commerce in federal procurement refers to the use of electronic methods and systems for c...

Award & contract administration

ECI

Employment Cost Index

The Employment Cost Index is a quarterly economic indicator published by the Bureau of Labor Statist...

Pricing & cost

ECITS

Electronic Contracting Information Transfer System

The Electronic Contracting Information Transfer System is a secure electronic platform for transmitt...

Acquisition planning

ECM

Enterprise Content Management

Enterprise Content Management encompasses strategies, methods, and tools for capturing, managing, st...

Performance management

ECP

Engineering Change Proposal

An Engineering Change Proposal is a formal document proposing a change to the design, configuration,...

Performance management

EDA

Electronic Document Access

Electronic Document Access is a DoD web-based system providing authorized users access to contract d...

Award & contract administration

EDI

Electronic Data Interchange

Electronic Data Interchange is a standardized format for exchanging business documents electronicall...

Award & contract administration

EDW

Enterprise Data Warehouse

An Enterprise Data Warehouse is a centralized repository integrating data from multiple sources to s...

Award & contract administration

EDWOSB

Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business

An Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business is a WOSB whose women owners demonstrate ec...

Small business programs

EEO

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Employment Opportunity refers to the principle and legal requirement that employment decisions...

Compliance & regulations

EFT

Electronic Funds Transfer

Electronic Funds Transfer is the required method for federal payments to contractors, where funds ar...

Award & contract administration

EFTPS

Electronic Federal Tax Payment System

The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System is the free service provided by the Treasury Department fo...

Compliance & regulations

EIA

Economic Impact Analysis

An Economic Impact Analysis assesses the economic effects of proposed regulations, policies, or proj...

Acquisition planning

EIDL

Economic Injury Disaster Loan

An Economic Injury Disaster Loan is an SBA loan program providing working capital to small businesse...

Small business programs

EIS

Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions

Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions is a GSA telecommunications contract vehicle providing federal a...

Award & contract administration

EIS-ENV

Environmental Impact Statement

An Environmental Impact Statement is a document required by the National Environmental Policy Act fo...

Compliance & regulations

EMA

Earned Value Management Analysis

Earned Value Management Analysis is the process of analyzing EVM data to assess program performance,...

Performance management

EMD

Engineering and Manufacturing Development

Engineering and Manufacturing Development is the acquisition phase where systems are designed, built...

Acquisition planning

EMMS

Enterprise Maintenance Management System

An Enterprise Maintenance Management System is a software platform for managing maintenance operatio...

Award & contract administration

EMP

Emergency Management Plan

An Emergency Management Plan documents procedures and responsibilities for responding to emergencies...

Compliance & regulations

EO

Executive Order

An Executive Order is a directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal gov...

Compliance & regulations

EOQ

Economic Order Quantity

Economic Order Quantity is a formula-based inventory management approach that determines the optimal...

Pricing & cost

EPA

Economic Price Adjustment

An Economic Price Adjustment is a contract clause that provides for upward or downward revision of c...

Pricing & cost

EPEAT

Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool

The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool is a global registry and rating system that hel...

Compliance & regulations

EPIC

Enterprise Procurement Integration Center

An Enterprise Procurement Integration Center is an organizational unit that coordinates and integrat...

Award & contract administration

EPMO

Enterprise Program Management Office

An Enterprise Program Management Office provides centralized program management oversight, standards...

Performance management

ERA

Electronic Records Archive

The Electronic Records Archive is the National Archives and Records Administration system for preser...

Compliance & regulations

ERP

Enterprise Resource Planning

Enterprise Resource Planning refers to integrated software systems that manage core business process...

Award & contract administration

ESA

Enterprise Software Agreement

An Enterprise Software Agreement is a licensing arrangement providing organization-wide access to so...

Award & contract administration

ESOH

Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health

Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health encompasses the disciplines and requirements addressing...

Compliance & regulations

ETC

Estimate to Complete

Estimate to Complete is the projected cost required to finish remaining contract work from a specifi...

Pricing & cost

ETP

Exception to Policy

An Exception to Policy is a formal approval allowing deviation from standard acquisition procedures ...

Acquisition planning

EV

Earned Value

Earned Value is a project management methodology that integrates scope, schedule, and cost parameter...

Pricing & cost

EVM

Earned Value Management

Earned Value Management is a project management methodology integrating scope, schedule, and cost da...

Performance management

EVMS

Earned Value Management System

An Earned Value Management System is a contractor's integrated management control system that meets ...

Performance management

EVMSI

Earned Value Management System Implementation

Earned Value Management System Implementation refers to the process of establishing and deploying an...

Performance management

F

F&I

Facilities and Infrastructure

Facilities and Infrastructure refers to the physical assets, buildings, utilities, and supporting sy...

Award & contract administration

F&O

Full and Open Competition

Full and Open Competition is the standard competitive procurement approach required by the Competiti...

Acquisition planning

F&O (SB)

Full and Open Competition with Small Business Reserve

Full and Open Competition with Small Business Reserve is a procurement approach where a portion of t...

Small business programs

FA

Functional Area

A Functional Area is a distinct category of work or organizational responsibility used to structure ...

Award & contract administration

FAA

Federal Aviation Administration

The Federal Aviation Administration is the agency within the Department of Transportation responsibl...

Compliance & regulations

FAI

Federal Acquisition Institute

The Federal Acquisition Institute is an organization within GSA responsible for fostering the develo...

Acquisition planning

FAIR

Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act

The Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act requires agencies to annually identify activities perfor...

Compliance & regulations

FAR

Federal Acquisition Regulation

The Federal Acquisition Regulation is the principal set of rules governing how executive branch agen...

Compliance & regulations

FAS

Federal Acquisition Service

The Federal Acquisition Service is a GSA organization that provides procurement services to federal ...

Acquisition planning

FASA

Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act

The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act is landmark legislation that reformed federal procurement b...

Compliance & regulations

FBO

FedBizOpps

FedBizOpps was the government's single point of entry for federal procurement opportunities over $25...

Acquisition planning

FBO-SAM

FedBizOpps / SAM Notices

FBO-SAM refers to the transition from FedBizOpps (Federal Business Opportunities) to SAM.gov as the ...

Proposal development

FCA

Functional Configuration Audit

A Functional Configuration Audit is a formal examination to verify that a configuration item's actua...

Performance management

FCCM

Facilities Capital Cost of Money

Facilities Capital Cost of Money is an imputed cost representing the contractor's investment in faci...

Pricing & cost

FCO

Field Contracting Office

A Field Contracting Office is a contracting organization located away from headquarters, typically a...

Award & contract administration

FCPA

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act is federal law prohibiting payments to foreign officials to obtain...

Compliance & regulations

FCS

Future Combat Systems

Future Combat Systems was a major Army modernization program that was restructured and eventually ca...

Acquisition planning

FDO

Fee Determining Official

A Fee Determining Official is the government official authorized to make fee determinations for cost...

Award & contract administration

FDR

Functional Design Review

A Functional Design Review is a technical review examining whether a system's functional design meet...

Performance management

FEA

Federal Enterprise Architecture

The Federal Enterprise Architecture is a framework for organizing federal government IT investments ...

Compliance & regulations

FEC

Functional Executive Committee

A Functional Executive Committee is a governance body composed of senior executives from functional ...

Award & contract administration

FEMA

Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is the agency within the Department of Homeland Security res...

Compliance & regulations

FFB

Federal Financing Bank

The Federal Financing Bank is a government corporation within the Treasury Department that provides ...

Pricing & cost

FFP

Firm-Fixed-Price

A Firm-Fixed-Price contract provides a fixed price for supplies or services regardless of the contra...

Pricing & cost

FFP-EP

Firm Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment

Firm Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment is a contract type combining a firm fixed price with...

Pricing & cost

FFP-LOE

Firm Fixed Price – Level of Effort

Firm Fixed Price – Level of Effort is a contract type requiring the contractor to provide a specifie...

Pricing & cost

FFRDC

Federally Funded Research and Development Center

A Federally Funded Research and Development Center is a unique nonprofit organization sponsored by a...

Acquisition planning

FFS

Fee for Service

Fee for Service is a payment model where contractors are paid for each service performed or delivera...

Pricing & cost

FG

Federal Government

Federal Government refers to the national government of the United States, encompassing executive, l...

Compliance & regulations

FIPS

Federal Information Processing Standards

Federal Information Processing Standards are standards developed by NIST for federal computer system...

Compliance & regulations

FISMA

Federal Information Security Management Act

The Federal Information Security Management Act requires federal agencies to develop, document, and ...

Compliance & regulations

FLC

Federal Lead Contracting Agency

A Federal Lead Contracting Agency is the designated agency responsible for establishing and managing...

Acquisition planning

FMFIA

Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act

The Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act requires agency heads to establish internal controls an...

Compliance & regulations

FMR

Financial Management Regulation

The Financial Management Regulation is the DoD directive establishing financial management policy, i...

Compliance & regulations

FMS

Foreign Military Sales

Foreign Military Sales is the U.S. government program for selling defense articles and services to f...

Award & contract administration

FMSCR

FMS Case Review

An FMS Case Review is an evaluation of Foreign Military Sales case implementation status, including ...

Performance management

FOB

Free On Board

Free On Board is a shipping term specifying when title and risk of loss transfer from seller to buye...

Award & contract administration

FOC

Full Operational Capability

Full Operational Capability is the milestone when a system is fully deployed, operationally sustaina...

Acquisition planning

FOCI

Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence

Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence refers to situations where foreign interests have the abili...

Compliance & regulations

FOIA

Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act provides public access to federal agency records upon request, with c...

Compliance & regulations

FOP

Fair Operating Practice

Fair Operating Practice refers to ethical business conduct standards ensuring honesty, integrity, an...

Compliance & regulations

FOPR

Fair Opportunity Proposal Request

A Fair Opportunity Proposal Request is a solicitation issued to multiple-award contract holders seek...

Proposal development

FORSCOM

Forces Command

Forces Command is the U.S. Army command responsible for training, mobilizing, and providing combat-r...

Compliance & regulations

FP

Fixed Price

Fixed Price is a category of contract types where the contractor agrees to a set price for deliverab...

Pricing & cost

FPAF

Fixed Price Award Fee

A Fixed Price Award Fee contract combines a firm fixed price with an award fee pool earned through p...

Pricing & cost

FPDS

Federal Procurement Data System

The Federal Procurement Data System is the government database collecting information on all federal...

Acquisition planning

FPDS-NG

Federal Procurement Data System - Next Generation

The Federal Procurement Data System - Next Generation is the current version of the government's pro...

Acquisition planning

FPDS-R

FPDS Reporting Module

The FPDS Reporting Module is the component of the Federal Procurement Data System that provides repo...

Proposal development

FPI

Fixed Price Incentive

A Fixed Price Incentive contract establishes a ceiling price and target cost/profit with a sharing f...

Pricing & cost

FPI-FED

Federal Prison Industries

Federal Prison Industries, also known as UNICOR, is a government corporation that employs federal in...

Acquisition planning

FPIF

Fixed Price Incentive Fee

A Fixed Price Incentive Fee contract establishes a target cost, target profit, ceiling price, and pr...

Pricing & cost

FPR

Final Proposal Revision

A Final Proposal Revision is the last opportunity for offerors to revise their proposals after discu...

Proposal development

FPRA

Forward Pricing Rate Agreement

A Forward Pricing Rate Agreement is a negotiated agreement between a contractor and the government e...

Pricing & cost

FR

Federal Register

The Federal Register is the daily publication of the federal government containing proposed and fina...

Compliance & regulations

FRP

Full Rate Production

Full Rate Production is the acquisition phase following successful operational testing where systems...

Acquisition planning

FS

Firm Scope

Firm Scope refers to contract requirements that are well-defined and not subject to significant chan...

Award & contract administration

FSA

Functional Services Agreement

A Functional Services Agreement is an arrangement defining how services will be provided and managed...

Award & contract administration

FSN

Federal Stock Number

A Federal Stock Number is a standardized identifier for items in the federal supply system, part of ...

Award & contract administration

FSR

Federal Status Report

A Federal Status Report provides periodic updates on contract performance, financial status, or prog...

Performance management

FSR-FIELD

Field Service Representative

A Field Service Representative is a contractor employee providing on-site technical support, mainten...

Award & contract administration

FSS

Federal Supply Schedule

The Federal Supply Schedule is a long-term government contract with commercial firms providing acces...

Award & contract administration

FTE

Full-Time Equivalent

Full-Time Equivalent is a unit of measure representing one employee working full-time for one year. ...

Pricing & cost

FTS

Federal Technology Service

Federal Technology Service was a GSA organization providing IT and telecommunications services to fe...

Award & contract administration

FWA

Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

Fraud, Waste, and Abuse refers to improper activities ranging from criminal conduct to inefficient r...

Compliance & regulations

FY

Fiscal Year

A Fiscal Year is the twelve-month accounting period used for budgeting and financial reporting. The ...

Pricing & cost

G

G&A

General and Administrative

General and Administrative costs are indirect expenses incurred for the overall management and admin...

Pricing & cost

G&A Pool

General and Administrative Cost Pool

A General and Administrative Cost Pool is the accumulated indirect costs supporting overall business...

Pricing & cost

GA

Grants Administration

Grants Administration encompasses the management of federal grants including award processing, compl...

Award & contract administration

GAAP

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles are the standard framework of accounting rules and standard...

Pricing & cost

GAO

Government Accountability Office

The Government Accountability Office is an independent agency that audits federal programs, investig...

Compliance & regulations

GAO-ODB

GAO Overall Decision Base

The GAO Overall Decision Base refers to the accumulated body of Government Accountability Office dec...

Compliance & regulations

GAS

Government Audit Standard

Government Audit Standards, also known as Yellow Book standards, are the standards for auditing gove...

Compliance & regulations

GAT

Government Acceptance Testing

Government Acceptance Testing is the formal testing process by which the government verifies that de...

Performance management

GC

General Counsel

The General Counsel is the chief legal officer of an organization, whether government agency or cont...

Award & contract administration

GCC

Government Commercial Cloud

Government Commercial Cloud refers to commercial cloud computing services configured to meet governm...

Compliance & regulations

GCE

Government Cost Estimate

A Government Cost Estimate is the government's internal assessment of expected costs for a procureme...

Pricing & cost

GFE

Government-Furnished Equipment

Government-Furnished Equipment refers to equipment owned by the government that is provided to a con...

Award & contract administration

GFEBS

General Fund Enterprise Business System

The General Fund Enterprise Business System is the Army's enterprise resource planning system for fi...

Award & contract administration

GFI

Government-Furnished Information

Government-Furnished Information refers to data, documents, specifications, or other information pro...

Award & contract administration

GFP

Government Furnished Property

Government Furnished Property encompasses all property provided by the government for contractor use...

Award & contract administration

GFP List

Government Furnished Property List

A Government Furnished Property List is a document itemizing government property provided to contrac...

Award & contract administration

GFR

Government Flight Representative

A Government Flight Representative is a government employee designated to represent the government's...

Performance management

GIDEP

Government-Industry Data Exchange Program

The Government-Industry Data Exchange Program facilitates sharing of technical data between governme...

Performance management

GIG

Global Information Grid

The Global Information Grid is the DoD's globally interconnected enterprise information capability p...

Compliance & regulations

GL

General Ledger

The General Ledger is the master accounting record containing all financial transactions and account...

Pricing & cost

GM

Gross Margin

Gross Margin is the difference between revenue and direct costs, expressed as a percentage of revenu...

Pricing & cost

GML

Government Material List

A Government Material List identifies government-furnished materials required for contract performan...

Award & contract administration

GOTS

Government-Off-The-Shelf

Government-Off-The-Shelf refers to software or technology developed by or for the government that is...

Acquisition planning

GOTS-C

Government Off-The-Shelf – Customized

Government Off-The-Shelf – Customized refers to government-developed solutions that have been modifi...

Acquisition planning

GPC

Government Purchase Card

A Government Purchase Card is a charge card used for simplified acquisition of supplies and services...

Award & contract administration

GPE

Governmentwide Point of Entry

The Governmentwide Point of Entry is the single government-wide portal for federal procurement notic...

Proposal development

GPO

Government Publishing Office

The Government Publishing Office is the federal agency responsible for producing and distributing of...

Acquisition planning

GPR

Government Property Representative

A Government Property Representative is the designated official responsible for overseeing governmen...

Award & contract administration

GPS

Global Positioning System

The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based navigation system operated by the U.S. Space Forc...

Performance management

GRIP

Government Requirements Integration Plan

A Government Requirements Integration Plan documents how government requirements will be integrated ...

Acquisition planning

GSA

General Services Administration

The General Services Administration is a federal agency that provides centralized procurement, real ...

Acquisition planning

GSA OASIS

One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services

One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services is a GSA multiple-award contract vehicle for comple...

Award & contract administration

GSAM

GSA Acquisition Manual

The GSA Acquisition Manual contains internal GSA acquisition policies and procedures that implement ...

Compliance & regulations

GSAR

GSA Acquisition Regulation

The GSA Acquisition Regulation is the General Services Administration's supplement to the Federal Ac...

Compliance & regulations

GSM

Government Services Manager

A Government Services Manager is the contractor employee responsible for managing service delivery a...

Award & contract administration

GT&C

General Terms and Conditions

General Terms and Conditions are the standard contractual provisions establishing baseline obligatio...

Award & contract administration

GT&C IAA

General Terms & Conditions Interagency Agreement

A General Terms and Conditions Interagency Agreement establishes the baseline framework for interage...

Award & contract administration

GUI

Graphical User Interface

A Graphical User Interface is the visual component of software that enables users to interact with a...

Performance management

GWAC

Government-Wide Acquisition Contract

A Government-Wide Acquisition Contract is a task-order or delivery-order contract for IT products an...

Award & contract administration

GWOT

Global War on Terror

Historically Underutilized Business Zone

The Historically Underutilized Business Zone program provides federal contracting preferences to sma...

Small business programs

HW

Hardware

Hardware in government contracting refers to physical equipment, components, and devices procured un...

Award & contract administration

I

IA

Interagency Agreement

An Interagency Agreement is a formal arrangement between federal agencies for providing goods, servi...

Award & contract administration

IAC

Information Analysis Center

An Information Analysis Center is a DoD organization that collects, analyzes, and disseminates scien...

Award & contract administration

IAE

Integrated Award Environment

The Integrated Award Environment is the collection of systems supporting federal award processes inc...

Proposal development

IAW

In Accordance With

In Accordance With is a common abbreviation in contracts and solicitations indicating that work must...

Award & contract administration

IAW-MR

In Accordance With – Market Research

In Accordance With – Market Research references compliance with market research requirements and fin...

Acquisition planning

IBOP

Interactive Business Opportunity Page

An Interactive Business Opportunity Page is an agency-specific web portal that provides information ...

Acquisition planning

IBS

Integrated Business System

An Integrated Business System combines multiple business functions such as finance, human resources,...

Award & contract administration

IC

Intelligence Community

The Intelligence Community is the collective of federal agencies and organizations responsible for i...

Acquisition planning

ICAM

Identity, Credential, and Access Management

Identity, Credential, and Access Management encompasses the policies, processes, and technologies fo...

Compliance & regulations

ICE

Independent Cost Estimate

An Independent Cost Estimate is a cost assessment prepared separately from the contractor's proposal...

Pricing & cost

ICOFR

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting refers to the processes designed to provide reasonable ass...

Compliance & regulations

ICS

Internal Control System

An Internal Control System is the framework of policies and procedures ensuring reliable operations,...

Compliance & regulations

ICS-CO

Internal Control System – Contracting Office

An Internal Control System for Contracting Offices encompasses the policies, procedures, and practic...

Award & contract administration

ICT

Information and Communications Technology

Information and Communications Technology is a broad term encompassing all technologies used for inf...

Award & contract administration

IDIQ

Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity

An Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract is a contract vehicle that provides for an indef...

Award & contract administration

IDIQ-M

Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity – Multiple Award

An Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity – Multiple Award contract provides a pool of contractors ...

Award & contract administration

IDV

Indefinite Delivery Vehicle

An Indefinite Delivery Vehicle is a contract type providing flexibility for ordering varying quantit...

Award & contract administration

IEE

Integrity and Ethics Evaluation

An Integrity and Ethics Evaluation assesses contractor compliance with business ethics requirements,...

Compliance & regulations

IFB

Invitation for Bid

An Invitation for Bid is a solicitation method used in sealed bidding where award goes to the lowest...

Proposal development

IFC

Issued for Construction

Issued for Construction designates design documents that have been approved and released for constru...

Performance management

IFR

Interim Final Rule

An Interim Final Rule is a regulatory change that takes effect immediately while public comments are...

Compliance & regulations

IFR-R

Interim Final Rule – Regulatory

An Interim Final Rule is a regulatory mechanism allowing agencies to implement rules before completi...

Compliance & regulations

IG

Inspector General

The Inspector General is an independent official responsible for auditing and investigating agency p...

Compliance & regulations

IG Audit

Inspector General Audit

An Inspector General Audit is an independent examination conducted by an agency's Office of Inspecto...

Compliance & regulations

IGCE

Independent Government Cost Estimate

An Independent Government Cost Estimate is the government's internal projection of what a procuremen...

Pricing & cost

IH

Indirect Hours

Indirect Hours are labor hours that cannot be directly attributed to a specific contract or project ...

Pricing & cost

IID

Incremental Implementation Document

An Incremental Implementation Document details the approach for phased implementation of systems, ca...

Performance management

IIT

Incremental Implementation Task

An Incremental Implementation Task is a discrete work package within a larger program that delivers ...

Award & contract administration

ILC

Integrated Logistics Contract

An Integrated Logistics Contract consolidates multiple logistics support functions under a single co...

Award & contract administration

ILO

International Labor Organization

The International Labor Organization is a United Nations agency setting international labor standard...

Compliance & regulations

ILS

Integrated Logistics Support

Integrated Logistics Support is a disciplined approach ensuring systems are designed with supportabi...

Award & contract administration

IM

Information Memorandum

An Information Memorandum is an internal government document used to communicate information, analys...

Award & contract administration

IMO

Installation Management Office

An Installation Management Office is the organizational element responsible for managing facilities,...

Award & contract administration

IMR

Implementation Milestone Review

An Implementation Milestone Review is a formal assessment evaluating progress against planned implem...

Performance management

INC

Incremental Funding Notice

An Incremental Funding Notice advises a contractor of additional funds obligated to a contract that ...

Pricing & cost

INCOTERMS

International Commercial Terms

International Commercial Terms are standardized trade terms published by the International Chamber o...

Award & contract administration

INFOSEC

Information Security

Information Security encompasses the protection of information and information systems from unauthor...

Compliance & regulations

ING

Inherently Governmental

Inherently Governmental designates functions that must be performed by federal employees rather than...

Compliance & regulations

INL

Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is a State Department bureau manag...

Compliance & regulations

INSCOM

Army Intelligence and Security Command

The Army Intelligence and Security Command is the Army's operational intelligence organization provi...

Compliance & regulations

IP

Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property encompasses patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and technical data...

Award & contract administration

IPT

Integrated Product Team

An Integrated Product Team is a cross-functional group of government and sometimes contractor person...

Acquisition planning

IR&D

Independent Research and Development

Independent Research and Development refers to contractor-initiated research conducted without direc...

Pricing & cost

ISA

Interagency Service Agreement

An Interagency Service Agreement is an arrangement between federal agencies where one agency provide...

Acquisition planning

ITO

Invitation to Offer

An Invitation to Offer is a solicitation method requesting vendors to submit offers for consideratio...

Proposal development

J

K

KO

Contracting Officer

KO is an alternate abbreviation for Contracting Officer, the government official with authority to e...

Award & contract administration

KPI

Key Performance Indicator

A Key Performance Indicator is a quantifiable metric used to evaluate success against critical perfo...

Performance management

KTR

Contractor

KTR is a common abbreviation for contractor used in government correspondence and documentation. The...

Award & contract administration

KTR PM

Contractor Program Manager

A Contractor Program Manager is the contractor's designated leader responsible for overall contract ...

Award & contract administration

L

LAA

Limited Acquisition Authority

Limited Acquisition Authority is a restricted delegation of contracting authority for specific purpo...

Award & contract administration

LAB

Labor Category

A Labor Category is a classification of personnel based on skills, experience, education, and respon...

Pricing & cost

LAC

Lease Acquisition Contract

A Lease Acquisition Contract provides for leasing rather than purchasing assets, typically for equip...

Award & contract administration

LAM

Labor Agreement Matrix

A Labor Agreement Matrix documents the labor categories, rates, qualifications, and terms applicable...

Pricing & cost

LAN

Local Area Network

A Local Area Network is a computer network connecting devices within a limited geographic area. LAN ...

Compliance & regulations

LAT

Logistics Acceptance Test

A Logistics Acceptance Test is a formal evaluation verifying that logistics support elements meet sp...

Performance management

LC

Life-Cycle Cost

Life-Cycle Cost is the total cost of a system over its entire life span, including acquisition, oper...

Pricing & cost

LCC

Logistics Control Center

A Logistics Control Center is an operational hub coordinating logistics activities including supply,...

Award & contract administration

LCM

Life-Cycle Management

Life-Cycle Management is the approach to managing systems from inception through disposal. LCM consi...

Acquisition planning

LCM Plan

Life-Cycle Management Plan

A Life-Cycle Management Plan documents the approach for managing a system throughout its entire life...

Acquisition planning

LCP

Labor Compliance Program

A Labor Compliance Program is a contractor's system for ensuring compliance with labor laws, wage re...

Compliance & regulations

LD

Liquidated Damages

Liquidated Damages are predetermined monetary amounts payable by the contractor for failure to meet ...

Award & contract administration

LDA

Lobbying Disclosure Act

The Lobbying Disclosure Act requires registration and disclosure by persons who lobby federal offici...

Compliance & regulations

LED

Logistics Engineering Development

Logistics Engineering Development involves the engineering activities supporting system supportabili...

Performance management

LER

Lessons Encountered Report

A Lessons Encountered Report documents experiences, observations, and insights from program executio...

Performance management

LER-RATE

Labor Evaluation Rate

A Labor Evaluation Rate is the rate used to evaluate labor costs in proposals, which may differ from...

Proposal development

LFA

Lead Federal Agency

A Lead Federal Agency is the agency designated to coordinate activities or manage programs involving...

Award & contract administration

LFI

Letter for Inquiry

A Letter for Inquiry is a pre-solicitation communication seeking preliminary information from potent...

Proposal development

LIFO

Last In, First Out

Last In, First Out is an inventory costing method where the most recently acquired items are assumed...

Pricing & cost

LIR

Logistics Information Repository

A Logistics Information Repository is a centralized data system storing logistics-related informatio...

Award & contract administration

LL

Lessons Learned

Lessons Learned are documented knowledge gained from experience that can improve future performance ...

Performance management

LLTM

Long Lead Time Material

Long Lead Time Material refers to items requiring extended procurement lead times due to manufacturi...

Acquisition planning

LM

Logistics Manager

A Logistics Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing logistics activities i...

Award & contract administration

LOA

Letter of Authorization

A Letter of Authorization is a document granting permission or authority to perform specific activit...

Award & contract administration

LOC

Letter of Commitment

A Letter of Commitment is a written document from a teaming partner or subcontractor confirming thei...

Proposal development

LOC-FUND

Limitation of Cost

Limitation of Cost is a contract clause establishing the ceiling on government financial obligation ...

Pricing & cost

LOE

Level of Effort

Level of Effort refers to a type of contract requirement measured in labor hours rather than deliver...

Award & contract administration

LOF

Limitation of Funds

Limitation of Funds is a contract clause used in incrementally funded contracts establishing the amo...

Pricing & cost

LOI

Letter of Intent

A Letter of Intent is a preliminary agreement expressing intent to enter into a contract or teaming ...

Proposal development

LOO

Letter of Offer

A Letter of Offer is a formal document presenting terms under which a contractor offers to provide g...

Proposal development

LOO-CO

Letter of Offer and Acceptance – Contracting Office

A Letter of Offer and Acceptance from a Contracting Office is a formal document presenting contract ...

Award & contract administration

LOR

Letter of Request

A Letter of Request is a formal document from a foreign government requesting information, pricing, ...

Proposal development

LPTA

Lowest Price Technically Acceptable

Lowest Price Technically Acceptable is a source selection process where award goes to the lowest-pri...

Acquisition planning

LRFP

Long-Range Forecast of Procurements

A Long-Range Forecast of Procurements is a planning document identifying anticipated procurement act...

Acquisition planning

LRIP

Low Rate Initial Production

Low Rate Initial Production is an acquisition phase where systems are produced in limited quantities...

Acquisition planning

LRU

Line Replaceable Unit

A Line Replaceable Unit is a modular component designed for rapid removal and replacement at the ope...

Award & contract administration

LSA

Labor Surplus Area

A Labor Surplus Area is a geographic area classified by the Department of Labor as having high unemp...

Small business programs

LSR

Logistics Support Requirement

A Logistics Support Requirement defines the logistics elements needed to sustain a system including ...

Acquisition planning

LSS

Lean Six Sigma

Lean Six Sigma is a methodology combining Lean manufacturing principles with Six Sigma quality manag...

Performance management

LT

Lead Time

Lead Time is the period between initiating an action and its completion, such as the time from order...

Acquisition planning

LTB

Last Time Buy

A Last Time Buy is a final procurement of items before production discontinuation, providing suffici...

Acquisition planning

LTSA

Long-Term Service Agreement

A Long-Term Service Agreement is a multi-year contract providing ongoing support services, typically...

Award & contract administration

LUSC

Local Use Supply Contract

A Local Use Supply Contract is an agreement providing supplies for use at specific locations rather ...

Award & contract administration

LWOP

Leave Without Pay

Leave Without Pay refers to employee leave status where no compensation is provided during the absen...

Pricing & cost

M

MA-IDIQ

Multiple-Award IDIQ

A Multiple-Award IDIQ is an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract awarded to multiple con...

Award & contract administration

MAC

Multiple Award Contract

A Multiple Award Contract is a contract vehicle with more than one awardee, enabling task order comp...

Award & contract administration

MACRO

Multi-Agency Contract Requirements Overview

A Multi-Agency Contract Requirements Overview is an analysis examining requirements across multiple ...

Acquisition planning

MANPRINT

Manpower and Personnel Integration

Manpower and Personnel Integration is a DoD program ensuring human factors considerations are integr...

Acquisition planning

MAP

Marketing Action Plan

A Marketing Action Plan is a contractor's documented strategy for pursuing government market opportu...

Proposal development

MAS

Multiple Award Schedule

A Multiple Award Schedule is a long-term government-wide contract awarded by GSA to multiple vendors...

Award & contract administration

MASC

Managed Acquisition Support Center

A Managed Acquisition Support Center is an organization providing centralized acquisition support se...

Award & contract administration

MAST

Multiple Award Support Task

A Multiple Award Support Task is a task order competed among holders of a multiple award contract. M...

Proposal development

MATO

Multiple Award Task Order

A Multiple Award Task Order is an individual work authorization issued under a multiple award contra...

Award & contract administration

MATOC

Multiple Award Task Order Contract

A Multiple Award Task Order Contract is a type of IDIQ contract awarded to multiple contractors for ...

Award & contract administration

MBE

Minority Business Enterprise

A Minority Business Enterprise is a business owned and controlled by individuals who are members of ...

Small business programs

MC

Mission Capability

Mission Capability is a measure of system readiness to perform assigned missions, typically expresse...

Performance management

MDA

Milestone Decision Authority

The Milestone Decision Authority is the designated official responsible for approving major acquisit...

Acquisition planning

MDA-MP

Milestone Decision Authority – Master Plan

A Milestone Decision Authority Master Plan documents the comprehensive approach for program manageme...

Acquisition planning

MDEP

Management Decision Package

A Management Decision Package is a budget formulation element presenting resource requirements, just...

Pricing & cost

MDI

Major Defense Item

A Major Defense Item is a defense article or service on the U.S. Munitions List with significant mil...

Compliance & regulations

MEO

Most Efficient Organization

Most Efficient Organization is a concept from A-76 public-private competition establishing the gover...

Acquisition planning

MER

Monthly Expenditure Report

A Monthly Expenditure Report is a periodic financial report documenting costs incurred, funds expend...

Pricing & cost

MES

Manufacturing Execution System

A Manufacturing Execution System is software that manages, monitors, and synchronizes manufacturing ...

Award & contract administration

MET

Mission Essential Task

A Mission Essential Task is a collective task that an organization must perform to accomplish its mi...

Performance management

MFR

Memorandum for Record

A Memorandum for Record is an internal document recording information, decisions, or events for futu...

Award & contract administration

MFR-CO

Contracting Officer Memorandum for Record

A Contracting Officer Memorandum for Record is documentation by the contracting officer recording pr...

Award & contract administration

MGS

Multiple Government Sites

Multiple Government Sites designates contracts requiring performance at more than one government loc...

Award & contract administration

MICC

Mission and Installation Contracting Command

The Mission and Installation Contracting Command is an Army contracting organization providing acqui...

Award & contract administration

MILCON

Military Construction

Military Construction refers to construction projects on military installations funded through speci...

Acquisition planning

MILSTRIP

Military Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedure

Military Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedure is the standardized system for requisitioning, ...

Award & contract administration

MIPR-IN

Inbound Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request

An Inbound Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request is a funding document received by a contracti...

Pricing & cost

MIPR-OUT

Outbound Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request

An Outbound Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request is a funding document sent by a DoD organiza...

Pricing & cost

MIS

Management Information System

A Management Information System is a computer-based system providing information for decision-making...

Award & contract administration

MLC

Multi-Level Contract

A Multi-Level Contract is a contract structure providing pricing or terms at different levels, such ...

Award & contract administration

MLU

Mid-Life Upgrade

A Mid-Life Upgrade is a planned modernization of a system approximately halfway through its expected...

Acquisition planning

MMAS

Material Management and Accounting System

A Material Management and Accounting System is a contractor's system for managing and accounting for...

Compliance & regulations

MMR

Monthly Management Review

A Monthly Management Review is a periodic assessment of contract performance, program status, and ma...

Performance management

MOA

Memorandum of Agreement

A Memorandum of Agreement is a formal document establishing a binding agreement between two or more ...

Award & contract administration

MOD

Contract Modification

A Contract Modification is a written change to contract terms and conditions. Modifications may be u...

Award & contract administration

MOU

Memorandum of Understanding

A Memorandum of Understanding is a document describing a mutual agreement between parties that expre...

Award & contract administration

MPT

Micro-Purchase Threshold

The Micro-Purchase Threshold is the dollar value below which contracting officers may purchase suppl...

Acquisition planning

MRD

Market Research Document

A Market Research Document captures the results of market research conducted during acquisition plan...

Acquisition planning

N

NAC

National Acquisition Center

A National Acquisition Center is a centralized contracting organization serving an entire agency or ...

Acquisition planning

NAICS

North American Industry Classification System

The North American Industry Classification System is the standard used by federal agencies to classi...

Small business programs

NASA

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the federal agency responsible for space explor...

Acquisition planning

NDA

Non-Disclosure Agreement

A Non-Disclosure Agreement is a legal contract protecting confidential information shared between pa...

Proposal development

NDAA

National Defense Authorization Act

The National Defense Authorization Act is annual legislation authorizing DoD programs, personnel lev...

Compliance & regulations

NDBC

Non-Developmental Base Contract

A Non-Developmental Base Contract is a contract for items or services that already exist and do not ...

Award & contract administration

NDI

Non-Developmental Item

A Non-Developmental Item is a product that requires no development effort and is available commercia...

Acquisition planning

NGO

Non-Governmental Organization

A Non-Governmental Organization is a private, nonprofit entity operating independently from governme...

Award & contract administration

NIC

Network Interface Card

A Network Interface Card is a hardware component enabling computers to connect to networks. In gover...

Award & contract administration

NISP

National Industrial Security Program

The National Industrial Security Program is the federal program establishing security requirements f...

Compliance & regulations

NISPOM

National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual

The National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual provides detailed requirements for protect...

Compliance & regulations

NIST

National Institute of Standards and Technology

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is a federal agency that develops technology stan...

Compliance & regulations

NITAAC

NIH Information Technology Acquisition and Assessment Center

The NIH Information Technology Acquisition and Assessment Center is a government-wide acquisition ce...

Award & contract administration

NLS

National Logistics System

A National Logistics System is an enterprise-level logistics information system supporting supply ch...

Award & contract administration

NMA

No Material Adjustments

No Material Adjustments is an audit outcome indicating that auditors found no significant issues req...

Compliance & regulations

NOC

Network Operations Center

A Network Operations Center is a centralized facility for monitoring, managing, and maintaining netw...

Award & contract administration

NOI

Notice of Intent

A Notice of Intent is a published announcement of an agency's plan to award a contract, often used t...

Acquisition planning

NOI-SS

Notice of Intent to Sole Source

A Notice of Intent to Sole Source is a public announcement that an agency plans to award a contract ...

Acquisition planning

NOO

Notice of Opportunity

A Notice of Opportunity announces availability of work under an existing contract vehicle, typically...

Proposal development

NOR

Notice of Revision

A Notice of Revision is a document communicating changes to previously issued information, such as s...

Award & contract administration

NOSC

Network Operations and Security Center

A Network Operations and Security Center combines network operations and security monitoring functio...

Award & contract administration

NOTOC

Notice to Contractors

A Notice to Contractors is a communication from a government agency informing contractors of policy ...

Award & contract administration

NPV

Net Present Value

Net Present Value is a financial analysis technique calculating the present value of future cash flo...

Pricing & cost

NR

Non-Recurring

Non-Recurring costs are one-time expenses that do not repeat in subsequent contract periods, such as...

Pricing & cost

NRM

Network Requirements Management

Network Requirements Management encompasses the processes for identifying, documenting, and managing...

Performance management

NSN

National Stock Number

A National Stock Number is a 13-digit identifier assigned to items in the federal supply system, ena...

Award & contract administration

NTE

Not to Exceed

Not to Exceed specifies a ceiling amount that cannot be surpassed without contract modification. NTE...

Pricing & cost

NTE-CL

Not-To-Exceed Ceiling Level

A Not-To-Exceed Ceiling Level specifies the maximum contract value that cannot be exceeded without m...

Pricing & cost

NTIS

National Technical Information Service

The National Technical Information Service is the federal repository for government-funded scientifi...

Compliance & regulations

NTP

Notice to Proceed

A Notice to Proceed is the official authorization for a contractor to begin contract work. NTP issua...

Award & contract administration

O

O&M

Operations and Maintenance

Operations and Maintenance refers to ongoing activities to operate systems and maintain equipment in...

Award & contract administration

O&S

Operations and Support

Operations and Support refers to the lifecycle phase and associated costs for operating and sustaini...

Pricing & cost

OA&M

Operations, Administration, and Maintenance

Operations, Administration, and Maintenance encompasses the ongoing activities required to operate s...

Award & contract administration

OAA

Office of Acquisition and Assistance

An Office of Acquisition and Assistance is the organizational unit responsible for procurement and a...

Award & contract administration

OAL

Ordering Agency Level

Ordering Agency Level refers to the organizational tier within an agency authorized to place orders ...

Award & contract administration

OBL

Obligation

An Obligation is a legally binding commitment by the government to pay for goods or services. Obliga...

Pricing & cost

OCA

Original Classification Authority

Original Classification Authority is the government designation allowing officials to make initial c...

Compliance & regulations

OCD

Operational Capability Document

An Operational Capability Document describes the operational characteristics and capabilities requir...

Acquisition planning

OCFO

Office of the Chief Financial Officer

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer is the organizational unit responsible for financial manag...

Award & contract administration

OCI

Organizational Conflict of Interest

An Organizational Conflict of Interest exists when a contractor's relationships, interests, or activ...

Compliance & regulations

OCIO

Office of the Chief Information Officer

The Office of the Chief Information Officer is the organizational unit responsible for information t...

Award & contract administration

OCO

Ordering Contracting Officer

An Ordering Contracting Officer is a contracting officer authorized to issue task orders or delivery...

Award & contract administration

ODC

Other Direct Cost

Other Direct Costs are expenses directly attributable to a contract that are not labor, subcontracts...

Pricing & cost

ODR

Official Dispute Resolution

Official Dispute Resolution refers to the formal processes for resolving contract disputes between c...

Award & contract administration

OE

Operational Environment

The Operational Environment encompasses the conditions, circumstances, and factors affecting operati...

Acquisition planning

OF

Optional Form

Optional Forms are standardized government forms that agencies may use but are not required to use. ...

Award & contract administration

OFR

Office of the Federal Register

The Office of the Federal Register is a division of the National Archives and Records Administration...

Compliance & regulations

OGC

Office of General Counsel

The Office of General Counsel provides legal advice and services to agency leadership and program of...

Award & contract administration

OGP

Office of Government Policy

The Office of Government Policy within GSA develops and promotes management policies, regulations, a...

Compliance & regulations

OI

Operating Instruction

An Operating Instruction is an internal agency document that provides detailed procedures for implem...

Compliance & regulations

OIG

Office of Inspector General

The Office of Inspector General is the independent oversight office within each major agency respons...

Compliance & regulations

OIPT

Overarching Integrated Product Team

An Overarching Integrated Product Team is a senior-level team that provides strategic oversight and ...

Acquisition planning

OJT

On-the-Job Training

On-the-Job Training is hands-on training provided in the actual work environment. OJT requirements i...

Performance management

OJT-Plan

On-the-Job Training Plan

An On-the-Job Training Plan documents the structured approach for training employees through actual ...

Performance management

OLA

Operating Level Agreement

An Operating Level Agreement defines the working relationships and responsibilities between internal...

Performance management

OLM

Organic Logistics Management

Organic Logistics Management refers to logistics support provided by government personnel and facili...

Acquisition planning

OMB

Office of Management and Budget

The Office of Management and Budget is an Executive Office of the President that oversees federal ag...

Acquisition planning

OMNIBUS

Omnibus Appropriations

Omnibus Appropriations are comprehensive spending bills that package multiple appropriations measure...

Acquisition planning

OMS

Operations and Maintenance Support

Operations and Maintenance Support encompasses services that keep systems, facilities, and equipment...

Award & contract administration

OP

Option Period

An Option Period is a specified timeframe during which the government may extend contract performanc...

Award & contract administration

OPLAN

Operations Plan

An Operations Plan is a military planning document that describes how military operations will be co...

Acquisition planning

OPM

Office of Personnel Management

The Office of Personnel Management is the federal agency managing the government's civilian workforc...

Compliance & regulations

OPM-PMF

Office of Personnel Management Presidential Management Fellows

The Presidential Management Fellows program is a prestigious leadership development program for adva...

Award & contract administration

OPNAV

Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations is the headquarters organization supporting the Chief of...

Acquisition planning

OPR

Office of Primary Responsibility

The Office of Primary Responsibility is the organizational unit accountable for a specific function,...

Acquisition planning

OPR-Tech

Office of Primary Responsibility Technical

The Office of Primary Responsibility Technical designation identifies the organizational unit with p...

Acquisition planning

OPSEC

Operations Security

Operations Security is a process for protecting sensitive unclassified information that could be exp...

Compliance & regulations

OPTAR

Operating Target

Operating Target is a Navy budget allocation that provides operating forces with funding authority f...

Acquisition planning

OPTR

Option to Purchase Rights

Option to Purchase Rights is a contract provision allowing the government to acquire ownership right...

Award & contract administration

ORA

Operational Risk Assessment

Operational Risk Assessment is the systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating risk...

Performance management

ORCA

Online Representations and Certifications Application

The Online Representations and Certifications Application was a system where contractors submitted r...

Compliance & regulations

ORR

Operational Readiness Review

An Operational Readiness Review is a formal evaluation determining whether a system is ready for ope...

Performance management

OSBP

Office of Small Business Programs

The Office of Small Business Programs is the office within each major federal agency responsible for...

Small business programs

OSBP-Rep

Office of Small Business Programs Representative

The Office of Small Business Programs Representative is the designated official responsible for prom...

Small business programs

OSD

Office of the Secretary of Defense

The Office of the Secretary of Defense is the principal staff supporting the Secretary of Defense in...

Acquisition planning

OSDBU

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization is the agency office responsible for prom...

Small business programs

OSI

Office of Special Investigations

The Office of Special Investigations conducts criminal investigations, counterintelligence, and spec...

Compliance & regulations

OSO

On-Site Operations

On-Site Operations refers to contractor work performed at government facilities rather than contract...

Award & contract administration

OT

Operational Test

Operational Test is the formal evaluation of a system under realistic operational conditions to asse...

Performance management

OTA

Other Transaction Authority

Other Transaction Authority allows certain agencies to enter into agreements that are not standard c...

Acquisition planning

OTA-Contract

Other Transaction Agreement Contract

An Other Transaction Agreement Contract is a binding agreement resulting from a prototype OTA that t...

Award & contract administration

OTS

Off-the-Shelf

Off-the-Shelf refers to commercial or government items available without modification from existing ...

Acquisition planning

OV

Operational View

Operational View is an architecture perspective describing tasks, operational elements, and informat...

Acquisition planning

OW

Option Work

Option Work refers to additional contract scope that the government may elect to purchase at its dis...

Award & contract administration

P

P-Card

Purchase Card

A Purchase Card is a government-issued credit card used for simplified acquisition of supplies and s...

Award & contract administration

P&L

Profit and Loss Statement

A Profit and Loss Statement is a financial document summarizing revenues, costs, and expenses over a...

Pricing & cost

PAAC

Procuring Activity Advocate for Competition

The Procuring Activity Advocate for Competition promotes competition within a specific contracting a...

Acquisition planning

PACE

Primary Alternate Contingency Emergency

PACE is a communications planning methodology establishing multiple communication paths in priority ...

Performance management

PAE

Program Acquisition Executive

A Program Acquisition Executive is the senior official responsible for acquisition decisions within ...

Acquisition planning

PAI

Pre-Award Information

Pre-Award Information encompasses documents, communications, and data shared before contract award. ...

Proposal development

PAL

Price Analysis Limit

Price Analysis Limit establishes the dollar threshold above which formal cost analysis rather than p...

Pricing & cost

PALT

Procurement Administrative Lead Time

Procurement Administrative Lead Time is the time from when a procurement request is initiated to con...

Acquisition planning

PALT-Track

Procurement Administrative Lead Time Tracking

Procurement Administrative Lead Time Tracking monitors the time required to complete acquisition act...

Acquisition planning

PAM

Program Assessment Manual

A Program Assessment Manual provides standardized criteria and procedures for evaluating program per...

Performance management

PAPR

Post Award Peer Review

Post Award Peer Review is a formal evaluation of contract administration practices conducted after c...

Award & contract administration

PAR

Procurement Activity Report

A Procurement Activity Report summarizes acquisition activities, metrics, and accomplishments for a ...

Acquisition planning

PARM

Property Accountability and Records Management

Property Accountability and Records Management encompasses the systems and procedures for tracking g...

Award & contract administration

PAT

Proposal Analysis Team

A Proposal Analysis Team is a group assembled to evaluate contractor proposals during source selecti...

Proposal development

PBA

Performance-Based Acquisition

Performance-Based Acquisition is an approach that focuses on results rather than processes, using me...

Acquisition planning

PBA-Pricing

Performance-Based Acquisition Pricing

Performance-Based Acquisition Pricing structures contract payments around achieved performance outco...

Pricing & cost

PBM

Performance-Based Management

Performance-Based Management is a systematic approach focusing on achieving measurable outcomes and ...

Performance management

PBSA

Performance-Based Service Acquisition

Performance-Based Service Acquisition applies performance-based principles specifically to service c...

Acquisition planning

PCO

Procuring Contracting Officer

The Procuring Contracting Officer is the contracting officer responsible for awarding a contract, as...

Award & contract administration

PCR

Procurement Center Representative

A Procurement Center Representative is an SBA official assigned to major federal buying activities t...

Small business programs

PD2

Procurement Desktop-Defense

Procurement Desktop-Defense is the standard automated contract writing system used by Department of ...

Award & contract administration

PDS

Procurement Data Standard

A Procurement Data Standard defines the format and content requirements for procurement data element...

Compliance & regulations

PEO

Program Executive Office

A Program Executive Office is an organizational structure responsible for managing a portfolio of re...

Acquisition planning

PGL

Procurement Guidance Letter

A Procurement Guidance Letter provides policy guidance and instructions to contracting personnel on ...

Compliance & regulations

PIM

Performance Improvement Metric

A Performance Improvement Metric is a quantifiable measure used to track progress toward performance...

Performance management

PIPO

Phase-In/Phase-Out

Phase-In/Phase-Out refers to the transition period between an outgoing contractor and incoming contr...

Award & contract administration

PKI

Public Key Infrastructure

Public Key Infrastructure is a system of digital certificates, certificate authorities, and registra...

Compliance & regulations

PL

Public Law

Public Law refers to enacted federal legislation, cited by congress number and sequence. Public laws...

Compliance & regulations

PM

Program Manager

The Program Manager is the government official responsible for planning, executing, and closing a sp...

Acquisition planning

PMR

Procurement Management Review

A Procurement Management Review is an evaluation of an organization's procurement operations to asse...

Compliance & regulations

PO

Purchase Order

A Purchase Order is a simplified contracting method used for small purchases under the simplified ac...

Award & contract administration

POAM

Plan of Action and Milestones

A Plan of Action and Milestones is a corrective action document identifying tasks, resources, and ti...

Compliance & regulations

POM

Program Objective Memorandum

The Program Objective Memorandum is a DoD budget document submitted by military departments proposin...

Acquisition planning

POP

Period of Performance

The Period of Performance is the time frame during which a contractor must complete contract work. P...

Award & contract administration

PPA

Prompt Payment Act

The Prompt Payment Act requires federal agencies to pay contractors within specified timeframes and ...

Compliance & regulations

PPIRS

Past Performance Information Retrieval System

The Past Performance Information Retrieval System is a government database that collects and shares ...

Past performance

PPL

Past Performance Library

A Past Performance Library is a contractor's organized collection of past performance documentation ...

Past performance

PPP

Public-Private Partnership

A Public-Private Partnership is a collaborative arrangement between government and private sector en...

Acquisition planning

PPP-Risk

Program Protection Plan Risk Management

Program Protection Plan Risk Management addresses threats to critical program information and techno...

Compliance & regulations

PPS

Pre-Proposal Survey

A Pre-Proposal Survey is an assessment of a contractor's capabilities and resources conducted before...

Proposal development

PQ

Pre-Qualification

Pre-Qualification is the process of evaluating potential contractors before solicitation to establis...

Proposal development

PR

Procurement Request

A Procurement Request is the internal document initiating an acquisition, prepared by the requiring ...

Acquisition planning

PR&C

Purchase Request and Commitment

A Purchase Request and Commitment is a document initiating a procurement action and committing funds...

Acquisition planning

PRA

Paperwork Reduction Act

The Paperwork Reduction Act requires agencies to minimize paperwork burden on the public and obtain ...

Compliance & regulations

PRC

Price Reduction Clause

A Price Reduction Clause is a contract provision requiring price adjustments when certain conditions...

Pricing & cost

PRD

Performance Requirements Document

A Performance Requirements Document specifies the performance outcomes, standards, and metrics that ...

Award & contract administration

PROJ

Project Code

A Project Code is an alphanumeric identifier used to track and categorize contract work, expenditure...

Award & contract administration

PRT

Procurement Review Team

A Procurement Review Team conducts independent evaluations of acquisition strategies, solicitations,...

Acquisition planning

PS

Program Support

Program Support encompasses services and resources that enable program execution without directly pr...

Award & contract administration

PSA

Program Support Agreement

A Program Support Agreement is a formal arrangement between organizations defining support relations...

Award & contract administration

PSC

Product Service Code

A Product Service Code is a four-character code identifying the type of product or service being pro...

Acquisition planning

PSC-Manual

Product Service Code Manual

The Product Service Code Manual is the official reference document defining PSC categories used to c...

Acquisition planning

PSR

Program Status Review

A Program Status Review is a periodic assessment of program progress, performance, and health conduc...

Performance management

PT

Proposal Team

A Proposal Team is the group of individuals assembled to develop and produce a proposal response. PT...

Proposal development

PTAC

Procurement Technical Assistance Center

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers are local organizations funded by DoD to provide free or lo...

Small business programs

PTW

Path to Win

Path to Win is a capture strategy framework identifying the specific actions, differentiators, and a...

Proposal development

PV

Present Value

Present Value is the current worth of future cash flows discounted at an appropriate rate. PV analys...

Pricing & cost

PVT

Production Verification Test

Production Verification Test is formal testing conducted on production units to verify that manufact...

Performance management

PWS

Performance Work Statement

A Performance Work Statement is a statement of work that describes requirements in terms of measurab...

Proposal development

Q

Performance management

RU

Recurring Unit Cost

Recurring Unit Cost represents the ongoing production cost per unit excluding non-recurring developm...

Pricing & cost

RV

Requirements Validation

Requirements Validation confirms that requirements accurately represent stakeholder needs and are ac...

Acquisition planning

S

S&A

Shipping and Administrative

Shipping and Administrative refers to costs associated with packaging, shipping, handling, and admin...

Pricing & cost

SA

Security Assistance

Security Assistance encompasses programs through which the United States provides defense articles, ...

Award & contract administration

SAA

Security Authorization Agreement

A Security Authorization Agreement documents the security requirements and authorization for contrac...

Compliance & regulations

SAD

Source Approval Document

A Source Approval Document formally authorizes a supplier or source for providing specific items or ...

Acquisition planning

SADBU

Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization refers to agency offices and programs promoting partici...

Small business programs

SAF

Senior Acquisition Official

A Senior Acquisition Official is a high-level government executive responsible for acquisition polic...

Acquisition planning

SAF-AQ

Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition

The Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition is the senior official responsible for all Air Force ...

Acquisition planning

SAIC

Systems and Acquisition Integration Center

A Systems and Acquisition Integration Center provides centralized support for acquisition management...

Acquisition planning

SAL

Security Assistance Liaison

A Security Assistance Liaison coordinates between US government agencies and foreign partners on sec...

Award & contract administration

SAM

System for Award Management

The System for Award Management is the official government website where entities must register to d...

Compliance & regulations

SAMP

Single Acquisition Management Plan

A Single Acquisition Management Plan consolidates acquisition planning documentation for a program i...

Acquisition planning

SAMP-Annex

Strategic Acquisition Management Plan Annex

A Strategic Acquisition Management Plan Annex provides detailed implementation guidance supplementin...

Acquisition planning

SAP-Security

Special Access Program

A Special Access Program imposes security requirements beyond standard classified information contro...

Compliance & regulations

SAR

Selected Acquisition Report

A Selected Acquisition Report is a comprehensive status report on major defense acquisition programs...

Acquisition planning

SAR-ACQ

Selected Acquisition Report Acquisition

A Selected Acquisition Report Acquisition section details program acquisition strategy, contract sta...

Acquisition planning

SB

Small Business

Small Business refers to concerns meeting SBA size standards for their primary industry. SB status e...

Small business programs

SBA

Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration is the federal agency responsible for supporting small business de...

Small business programs

SBIR

Small Business Innovation Research

The Small Business Innovation Research program is a competitive federal program encouraging small bu...

Small business programs

SBLO

Small Business Liaison Officer

A Small Business Liaison Officer serves as the point of contact for small business matters within a ...

Small business programs

SBO

Small Business Office

A Small Business Office is an agency organizational unit dedicated to advocating for small business ...

Small business programs

SBO-Adv

Small Business Outreach Advisor

A Small Business Outreach Advisor conducts outreach activities connecting small businesses with fede...

Small business programs

SBP

Small Business Program

Small Business Program encompasses the statutory and regulatory framework promoting small business p...

Small business programs

SBP-Plan

Small Business Participation Plan

A Small Business Participation Plan documents how an offeror will involve small businesses in contra...

Small business programs

SBR

Small Business Review

A Small Business Review evaluates acquisition strategies to identify opportunities for small busines...

Small business programs

SBS

Small Business Specialist

A Small Business Specialist is a government employee who promotes small business participation in ag...

Small business programs

SCA

Service Contract Act

The Service Contract Act requires contractors performing services on federal contracts to pay prevai...

Compliance & regulations

SCAC

Standard Carrier Alpha Code

A Standard Carrier Alpha Code is a unique identifier assigned to transportation companies for logist...

Award & contract administration

SCIF

Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility

A Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility is a secure room or building meeting standards for pr...

Compliance & regulations

SCLS

Service Contract Labor Standards

Service Contract Labor Standards, established by the Service Contract Act, require payment of prevai...

Compliance & regulations

SCM

Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management encompasses the planning, execution, and control of material flows from supp...

Performance management

SCMP

Supply Chain Management Plan

A Supply Chain Management Plan documents the strategy and procedures for managing material flows sup...

Performance management

SCN

Solicitation Control Number

A Solicitation Control Number is a unique identifier assigned to track a solicitation through the pr...

Acquisition planning

SCO

Senior Contracting Official

A Senior Contracting Official is the senior person responsible for contracting operations within an ...

Acquisition planning

SCP

Subcontracting Plan

A Subcontracting Plan documents goals and methods for utilizing small business subcontractors. SCPs ...

Small business programs

SCR

Subcontracting Report

A Subcontracting Report documents actual small business subcontracting performance against plan goal...

Small business programs

SD

System Design

System Design is the process of defining architecture, components, interfaces, and data flows to sat...

Performance management

SDD

System Design Document

A System Design Document describes the technical architecture, design decisions, and implementation ...

Performance management

SDN

Specially Designated Nationals

Specially Designated Nationals are individuals and entities identified by the Treasury Department as...

Compliance & regulations

SDRL

Supplier Data Requirements List

A Supplier Data Requirements List specifies data deliverables required from suppliers and subcontrac...

Award & contract administration

SDVOSB

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business is a small business at least 51% owned and controlle...

Small business programs

SE

Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering is the interdisciplinary approach to designing, integrating, and managing comple...

Performance management

SEB

Source Evaluation Board

A Source Evaluation Board is the team responsible for evaluating proposals and recommending contract...

Proposal development

SEC

Securities and Exchange Commission

The Securities and Exchange Commission is the federal agency regulating securities markets and prote...

Compliance & regulations

SED

Security Engineering Document

A Security Engineering Document describes the security architecture, controls, and implementation ap...

Compliance & regulations

SETA

Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance

Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance contracts provide engineering, technical, and analytica...

Award & contract administration

SEWP

Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement

Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement is a NASA-managed GWAC providing access to IT products, se...

Award & contract administration

SF

Standard Form

Standard Forms are government-wide forms prescribed for use in federal acquisition. Common SFs inclu...

Award & contract administration

SFO

Solicitation for Offers

A Solicitation for Offers is a formal request for proposals or quotes issued by a contracting office...

Proposal development

SIG

Special Interest Group

A Special Interest Group is an organized body of stakeholders focused on a specific topic, technolog...

Small business programs

SIP

Schedule Input Program

A Schedule Input Program is a software application or standardized process used to submit contractor...

Performance management

SLA

Service Level Agreement

A Service Level Agreement defines measurable performance standards for services, including response ...

Performance management

SLEP

Service Life Extension Program

A Service Life Extension Program extends the operational life of military systems beyond their origi...

Award & contract administration

SME

Subject Matter Expert

A Subject Matter Expert is an individual with deep expertise in a specific technical or functional a...

Proposal development

SMR

Summary Monthly Report

A Summary Monthly Report provides consolidated monthly status information on contract performance, e...

Performance management

SNOI

Special Notice of Intent

A Special Notice of Intent announces an agency's plan to pursue a specific acquisition approach, suc...

Acquisition planning

SOA

Statement of Objectives Approach

A Statement of Objectives Approach is a requirements development method focusing on desired outcomes...

Proposal development

SOAE

Special Operations Acquisition Executive

The Special Operations Acquisition Executive is the senior official responsible for acquisition poli...

Acquisition planning

SOAG

Special Operations Competition Advocate General

The Special Operations Competition Advocate General is the official within U.S. Special Operations C...

Acquisition planning

SOF AT&L

Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics

Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics is the organization within U.S. Spe...

Acquisition planning

SOJA

Special Operations Judge Advocate

The Special Operations Judge Advocate provides legal counsel and support to U.S. Special Operations ...

Compliance & regulations

SOL

Solicitation

A Solicitation is the formal document inviting contractors to submit offers for government requireme...

Proposal development

SOM

Service Operations Manual

A Service Operations Manual documents standard operating procedures for service delivery. SOMs defin...

Performance management

SOO

Statement of Objectives

A Statement of Objectives is a requirements document that describes desired outcomes at a high level...

Proposal development

SOP

Standard Operating Procedure

A Standard Operating Procedure is a documented process that establishes step-by-step instructions fo...

Performance management

SOR

Summary of Requirements

A Summary of Requirements provides a high-level overview of an agency's needs that will be addressed...

Proposal development

SOW

Statement of Work

A Statement of Work is a detailed description of work to be performed under a contract, including th...

Proposal development

SOWO

Special Operations Washington Office

The Special Operations Washington Office represents U.S. Special Operations Command interests in the...

Acquisition planning

SP

Strategic Plan

A Strategic Plan articulates long-term organizational goals, objectives, and approaches for achievin...

Acquisition planning

SPAWAR

Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command

Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, now known as NAVWAR, is the Navy organization responsible f...

Acquisition planning

SPC

Statistical Process Control

Statistical Process Control uses statistical methods to monitor and control processes for quality im...

Performance management

SPE

Senior Procurement Executive

The Senior Procurement Executive is the agency official responsible for management direction of the ...

Acquisition planning

SPI

Schedule Performance Index

The Schedule Performance Index is an earned value metric calculated as earned value divided by plann...

Performance management

SPIN

Standard Procurement Item Number

A Standard Procurement Item Number is a unique identifier for items in government procurement system...

Award & contract administration

SPM

Supplier Performance Management

Supplier Performance Management encompasses processes for evaluating, monitoring, and improving supp...

Performance management

SPO

Systems Program Office

A Systems Program Office is the government organization responsible for managing the development, pr...

Award & contract administration

SPOT

Synchronized Predeployment and Operational Tracker

The Synchronized Predeployment and Operational Tracker is a DoD system tracking contractor personnel...

Compliance & regulations

SPP

Strategic Procurement Plan

A Strategic Procurement Plan is a document that outlines an organization's long-term procurement obj...

Acquisition planning

SPR

System Performance Report

A System Performance Report documents system operational status, performance metrics, and issues. SP...

Performance management

SPRM

Strategic Procurement Management

Strategic Procurement Management is a comprehensive approach to managing procurement activities alig...

Acquisition planning

SQ

Sealed Quote

A Sealed Quote is a pricing submission provided in response to a Request for Quotation where quotes ...

Proposal development

SR

Systems Review

A Systems Review is a formal examination of system design, development, or operational status. SRs e...

Performance management

SRD

System Requirements Document

A System Requirements Document specifies the functional and performance requirements a system must s...

Performance management

SRR

System Requirements Review

A System Requirements Review is a formal milestone examining the completeness and correctness of sys...

Performance management

SS

Sole Source

Sole Source refers to a non-competitive procurement where only one contractor is solicited. Sole sou...

Acquisition planning

SSAC

Source Selection Advisory Council

A Source Selection Advisory Council provides recommendations to the source selection authority on co...

Proposal development

SSEB

Source Selection Evaluation Board

A Source Selection Evaluation Board conducts the detailed evaluation of proposals against solicitati...

Proposal development

SSI

Sensitive Security Information

Sensitive Security Information is a category of protected information related to transportation secu...

Compliance & regulations

SSN

Sources Sought Notice

A Sources Sought Notice is a market research tool requesting information from potential contractors ...

Acquisition planning

SSP

Source Selection Plan

A Source Selection Plan documents the approach for evaluating proposals and selecting a contractor. ...

Acquisition planning

SSP-Subk

Subcontracting Strategy Plan

A Subcontracting Strategy Plan documents the overall approach for utilizing subcontractors in contra...

Small business programs

SSR

Subcontracting Summary Report

A Subcontracting Summary Report is a required report submitted by prime contractors documenting thei...

Small business programs

SSR-TL

Subcontracting Summary Report Task Level

A Subcontracting Summary Report Task Level documents small business subcontracting performance at th...

Small business programs

SSS

Single Source Selection

Single Source Selection refers to an acquisition approach where the government identifies and negoti...

Acquisition planning

STA

Simplified Terms Agreement

A Simplified Terms Agreement is a streamlined contractual arrangement using reduced terms and condit...

Award & contract administration

STAR

Status Tasks Accomplishments Risks

STAR is a report format presenting current status, ongoing tasks, recent accomplishments, and identi...

Performance management

STAT

Short-Term Acquisition Task

A Short-Term Acquisition Task is a limited-scope procurement action with abbreviated timelines. STAT...

Acquisition planning

STIG

Security Technical Implementation Guide

A Security Technical Implementation Guide provides detailed security configuration standards for IT ...

Compliance & regulations

STO

Support Task Order

A Support Task Order is a task order issued under an IDIQ or similar contract vehicle for support se...

Award & contract administration

STTR

Small Business Technology Transfer

The Small Business Technology Transfer program is similar to SBIR but requires formal collaboration ...

Small business programs

SUBK

Subcontract

A Subcontract is an agreement between a prime contractor and another company to perform a portion of...

Award & contract administration

SUG

Suggested Awardee Group

A Suggested Awardee Group is a preliminary list of offerors recommended for award by the evaluation ...

Proposal development

SUP

Supplemental Agreement

A Supplemental Agreement is a bilateral contract modification agreed to by both the government and c...

Award & contract administration

SV

Schedule Variance

Schedule Variance is an Earned Value Management metric that measures the difference between work act...

Pricing & cost

SVC

Services Contract

A Services Contract provides for the performance of services rather than delivery of supplies. SVCs ...

Award & contract administration

SW

Software

Software encompasses programs, applications, and systems code delivered or developed under contract....

Award & contract administration

SWA

Software Assurance

Software Assurance encompasses activities ensuring software is free from vulnerabilities and functio...

Performance management

SWOT

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats

SWOT Analysis is a strategic planning framework used to evaluate an organization's competitive posit...

Proposal development

SWS

Statement of Work Summary

A Statement of Work Summary provides a condensed overview of contract requirements and deliverables....

Proposal development

SYSCOM

Systems Command

A Systems Command is a military organization responsible for research, development, and acquisition ...

Acquisition planning

T

T&M

Time and Materials

A Time and Materials contract pays the contractor based on actual labor hours at fixed hourly rates ...

Pricing & cost

TA

Technical Approach

A Technical Approach is the section of a proposal that describes how the contractor will accomplish ...

Proposal development

TAA

Trade Agreements Act

The Trade Agreements Act establishes rules for federal procurement of foreign-made products, impleme...

Compliance & regulations

TAB

Technical Advisory Board

A Technical Advisory Board provides expert guidance on technical matters to program leadership. TABs...

Acquisition planning

TAC

Technical Assistance Center

A Technical Assistance Center provides technical support and expertise to users and organizations. T...

Performance management

TAF

Total Allocation of Funds

Total Allocation of Funds represents the complete funding amount authorized for a contract or progra...

Pricing & cost

TAS

Treasury Account Symbol

A Treasury Account Symbol is the unique identifier for federal government appropriation and fund acc...

Pricing & cost

TBD

To Be Determined

To Be Determined is a placeholder designation indicating that specific information, requirements, or...

Proposal development

TBDR

To Be Determined Requirement

A To Be Determined Requirement is a placeholder for requirements not yet fully defined. TBDRs indica...

Acquisition planning

TCB

Trusted Computing Base

A Trusted Computing Base is the totality of protection mechanisms within a computer system responsib...

Compliance & regulations

TCO

Termination Contracting Officer

A Termination Contracting Officer is the government official responsible for administering contract ...

Award & contract administration

TCO-Rate

Total Cost of Ownership Rate

Total Cost of Ownership Rate expresses lifecycle costs as a periodic rate for comparison purposes. T...

Pricing & cost

TCP

Transition and Communication Plan

A Transition and Communication Plan documents the approach for transitioning work between contractor...

Award & contract administration

TCS

Total Contract Spend

Total Contract Spend represents the aggregate value of all expenditures under a contract, including ...

Pricing & cost

TCS-Metric

Total Contract Spend Metric

Total Contract Spend Metric measures the complete expenditure across a contract or contract portfoli...

Pricing & cost

TD

Technical Directive

A Technical Directive is a government instruction providing technical direction to contractors withi...

Award & contract administration

TDP

Technical Data Package

A Technical Data Package is the complete collection of technical documentation needed to manufacture...

Award & contract administration

TDP-Rev

Technical Data Package Revision

A Technical Data Package Revision is an updated version of technical documentation reflecting design...

Performance management

TDR

Technical Data Requirement

A Technical Data Requirement specifies documentation deliverables required under contract. TDRs defi...

Award & contract administration

TDS

Test and Demonstration Strategy

A Test and Demonstration Strategy outlines the approach for verifying system performance through tes...

Performance management

TE

Test Event

A Test Event is a scheduled testing activity evaluating specific system capabilities or performance ...

Performance management

TECHEVAL

Technical Evaluation

Technical Evaluation is the formal assessment of system technical performance under operational or t...

Performance management

TEM

Technical Evaluation Meeting

A Technical Evaluation Meeting brings together technical experts to assess proposals, designs, or te...

Proposal development

TF

Task Force

A Task Force is a temporary organizational unit established to address a specific issue or accomplis...

Award & contract administration

TFR

Temporary Funding Request

A Temporary Funding Request seeks short-term funding authority pending permanent appropriation or al...

Acquisition planning

TFT

Temporary Fix Task

A Temporary Fix Task addresses immediate issues pending permanent solutions. TFTs provide workaround...

Performance management

TIC

Taxpayer Identification Code

A Taxpayer Identification Code is the unique identifier used for tax reporting and compliance purpos...

Compliance & regulations

TINA

Truth in Negotiations Act

The Truth in Negotiations Act requires contractors to submit certified cost or pricing data for nego...

Pricing & cost

TIO

Technical Integration Office

A Technical Integration Office coordinates technical activities across multiple programs, systems, o...

Performance management

TIR

Test Incident Report

A Test Incident Report documents anomalies, failures, or unexpected results discovered during testin...

Performance management

TL

Team Lead

A Team Lead is the individual responsible for directing and coordinating a team's activities. TLs pr...

Performance management

TLO

Task Lead Officer

A Task Lead Officer is the government representative responsible for day-to-day oversight and coordi...

Performance management

TLR

Technical Logistics Requirement

A Technical Logistics Requirement specifies logistics support needs derived from technical system ch...

Acquisition planning

TMR

Technical Management Review

A Technical Management Review assesses technical progress, issues, and plans at program milestones. ...

Performance management

TO

Task Order

A Task Order is an order issued under an existing IDIQ or other indefinite-delivery contract directi...

Award & contract administration

TOA

Total Obligation Authority

Total Obligation Authority represents the maximum amount that can be obligated for a program or acco...

Pricing & cost

TOCO

Task Order Contracting Officer

A Task Order Contracting Officer has authority to issue, administer, and close out task orders under...

Award & contract administration

TOQ

Task Order Quote

A Task Order Quote is a contractor's response to a request for quote on a specific task order under ...

Proposal development

TOR

Terms of Reference

Terms of Reference define the scope, objectives, and parameters for a project, study, or organizatio...

Travel Work

Travel Work refers to level of effort specifically allocated for travel activities supporting contra...

Pricing & cost

U

UBL

Unit Bill of Lading

A Unit Bill of Lading is a shipping document for individual unit movements within a larger shipment....

Award & contract administration

UCA

Undefinitized Contract Action

An Undefinitized Contract Action authorizes a contractor to begin work before final price and terms ...

Award & contract administration

UDF

Uniform Contract Format Data File

A Uniform Contract Format Data File is a standardized electronic file format used to exchange contra...

Award & contract administration

UEI

Unique Entity Identifier

The Unique Entity Identifier is a 12-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies entities d...

Compliance & regulations

UFP

Uncompensated Overtime

Uncompensated Overtime refers to hours worked by exempt employees beyond the standard work week for ...

Pricing & cost

UFR

Unfunded Requirement

An Unfunded Requirement is a validated need that lacks budget allocation in the current fiscal year....

Acquisition planning

UG

User Guide

A User Guide is documentation providing instructions for operating or using a system, product, or se...

Performance management

UHF

Ultra High Frequency

Ultra High Frequency refers to the radio frequency band from 300 MHz to 3 GHz, used extensively in m...

Performance management

UIP

Unit Improvement Plan

A Unit Improvement Plan documents specific actions to enhance organizational capability or performan...

Performance management

ULS

Unified Logistics System

A Unified Logistics System integrates multiple logistics functions and data sources into a coordinat...

Performance management

UMD

Unit Manning Document

A Unit Manning Document specifies the authorized personnel positions for a military unit or organiza...

Acquisition planning

UMR

Unliquidated Monetary Reserve

Unliquidated Monetary Reserve represents contract funds obligated but not yet expended through payme...

Pricing & cost

UP

Unit Price

Unit Price is the cost charged for a single unit of product or service. UP structures simplify prici...

Pricing & cost

UPB

Unit Price Book

A Unit Price Book compiles standard prices for commonly procured items or services. UPBs establish c...

Pricing & cost

USAID

U.S. Agency for International Development

The U.S. Agency for International Development administers foreign aid and development assistance pro...

Acquisition planning

USASpending

USASpending.gov

USASpending.gov is the official source for federal spending data, including contracts, grants, loans...

Acquisition planning

USC

United States Code

The United States Code is the codification of general and permanent federal statutes organized by su...

Compliance & regulations

USCIS

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is the federal agency within the Department of Homeland Se...

Compliance & regulations

USDA

U.S. Department of Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and ...

Acquisition planning

USGS

U.S. Geological Survey

The U.S. Geological Survey is a scientific agency within the Department of the Interior that studies...

Compliance & regulations

USN

United States Navy

The United States Navy is the maritime service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces responsible for naval...

Compliance & regulations

USTRANSCOM

U.S. Transportation Command

U.S. Transportation Command is the unified combatant command responsible for global mobility and tra...

Acquisition planning

V

VA

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides healthcare, benefits, and services to military veterans....

Acquisition planning

VAAA

VA Acquisition Academy

The VA Acquisition Academy is the Department of Veterans Affairs training institution responsible fo...

Acquisition planning

VACO

VA Central Office

VA Central Office is the headquarters organization of the Department of Veterans Affairs located in ...

Award & contract administration

VAL

Validation Review

A Validation Review assesses whether requirements, designs, or solutions meet stakeholder needs and ...

Performance management

VAR

Value Added Reseller

A Value Added Reseller is a company that enhances products from original manufacturers by adding fea...

Award & contract administration

VAR-Analyst

Value Analysis and Review

Value Analysis and Review is a systematic examination of products, services, or processes to identif...

Pricing & cost

VAS

Value Added Services

Value Added Services are supplementary offerings that enhance the core product or service value. VAS...

Proposal development

VAT

Value Added Tax

Value Added Tax is a consumption tax levied on goods and services in many countries outside the Unit...

Pricing & cost

VC

Variable Cost

Variable Cost is an expense that changes in proportion to production volume or activity level. VCs i...

Pricing & cost

VDC

Virtual Design and Construction

Virtual Design and Construction uses digital models and simulations to plan and coordinate construct...

Performance management

VETS

Veterans Technology Services

Veterans Technology Services refers to IT and technology service contracts specifically supporting t...

Small business programs

VLO

Vendor Liaison Office

A Vendor Liaison Office coordinates communications and relationships between government agencies and...

Award & contract administration

VMI

Vendor Managed Inventory

Vendor Managed Inventory is a supply chain arrangement where the vendor monitors and replenishes cus...

Performance management

VOB

Veteran-Owned Business

A Veteran-Owned Business is a company at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans. VOB...

Small business programs

VOSB

Veteran-Owned Small Business

A Veteran-Owned Small Business is a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by veterans. VO...

Small business programs

VPN

Virtual Private Network

A Virtual Private Network provides encrypted communications over public networks for secure remote a...

Compliance & regulations

VPN-S

Secure Virtual Private Network

A Secure Virtual Private Network provides encrypted communications over public networks meeting gove...

Compliance & regulations

VSO

Vendor Service Office

XaaS

Anything-as-a-Service

Anything-as-a-Service is a cloud computing term encompassing the delivery of various services over t...

Acquisition planning

XO

Executive Officer

An Executive Officer is a senior official who assists the commander or director in managing an organ...

Acquisition planning

Y

YOE

Year of Execution

Year of Execution refers to the fiscal year when funds are actually spent or work is performed. YOE ...

Pricing & cost

YTD

Year to Date

Zero-Waste Acquisition Contract

A Zero-Waste Acquisition Contract incorporates sustainability requirements aimed at minimizing waste...

Compliance & regulations

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