Government Contracting Acronyms

A formal solicitation document issued by a government agency inviting contractors to submit proposals for a specific requirement.

A solicitation used for commercial items where price is the primary evaluation factor. Simpler than an RFP.

A pre-solicitation document used for market research. Not a binding solicitation — no contracts are awarded from RFIs.

A document describing the specific tasks, deliverables, and timeline for a government contract.

An outcomes-based alternative to the SOW that defines what needs to be accomplished rather than how.

A high-level document describing the government's desired outcomes. The contractor proposes the approach.

An evaluation method where the contract goes to the lowest bidder who meets all technical requirements.

A contract vehicle providing for an indefinite quantity of services or supplies during a fixed period. Task orders are issued against the contract.

A simplified method of filling anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services by establishing charge accounts with qualified sources.

A pre-competed, multiple-award IDIQ contract for IT services available to all federal agencies.

A contract awarded to multiple vendors who then compete for task orders.

A contract type where the price is not subject to adjustment. The contractor bears full cost risk.

A cost-reimbursement contract where the contractor is paid allowable costs plus a fixed fee.

A contract paying fixed hourly rates plus materials at cost. Used when the scope cannot be precisely defined.

The government official with authority to enter into, administer, and terminate contracts.

A government employee designated to monitor contractor performance on behalf of the CO.

Alternative abbreviation for Contracting Officer, commonly used in DoD.

Older term for COR. Technical representative designated by the Contracting Officer.

GSA's primary contract vehicle allowing agencies to buy commercial products and services at pre-negotiated prices.

GSA's government-wide IDIQ contract for professional services.

NASA's government-wide IT contract vehicle. SEWP V is the current iteration.

A small business owned by a veteran with a service-connected disability, eligible for sole source and set-aside contracts.

A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by women, eligible for WOSB set-aside contracts.

A WOSB whose owner is also economically disadvantaged. Eligible for additional set-aside opportunities.

SBA program for businesses in economically distressed areas. Provides set-aside and sole source opportunities.

A small business owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, as defined by SBA.

The largest federal contracting agency, responsible for national defense and military operations.

Federal agency managing government buildings, purchasing, and acquisition policy. Operates GSA Advantage and MAS contracts.

Federal agency supporting small businesses through certifications, loans, and contracting assistance programs.

Federal agency providing healthcare, benefits, and services to military veterans.

Federal agency responsible for border security, cybersecurity, disaster response, and immigration.

Federal agency responsible for space exploration, aeronautics research, and Earth science.

DoD research agency that develops breakthrough technologies for national security.

DoD agency that audits defense contractor costs, pricing, and accounting systems.

DoD agency that manages and oversees defense contract administration.

The primary set of rules governing the federal acquisition process. All government contracts are subject to FAR.

DoD-specific supplement to the FAR with additional rules for defense acquisitions.

Law requiring contractors to submit certified cost or pricing data for contracts above the TINA threshold.

Federal law governing the resolution of disputes between government contractors and agencies.

Federal system for recording and sharing past performance evaluations of government contractors.

Regulations controlling the export of defense and military-related technologies.

Regulations governing the export of dual-use commercial items with potential military applications.

Standard system used to classify businesses by industry type. Critical for determining contract eligibility.

Four-character codes identifying the type of product or service being purchased by the government.

Five-character code that identifies companies doing business with the federal government.

The entity identifier used in SAM.gov, replacing the DUNS number as of April 2022.

The official U.S. government system for entity registration, contract opportunities, and federal awards data.

A line item in a government contract that identifies a specific deliverable, service, or supply item.

A situation where a contractor's interests may conflict with their ability to perform objectively.

Federal program providing grants for small business R&D. Three phases from feasibility to commercialization.

Similar to SBIR but requires partnership between a small business and a research institution.

Equipment owned by the government and provided to a contractor for use in contract performance.

Any property owned by or leased to the government and provided to a contractor.

The central repository of federal contracting data. Reports all contract actions over $10,000.

Government program providing a standardized approach to security assessment for cloud products and services.

DoD certification program ensuring defense contractors meet cybersecurity requirements.

Government-created or possessed information that requires safeguarding but is not classified.

The method by which the government pays contractors. EFT banking information is required in SAM.gov registration.

DoD web-based system for electronic invoicing and receipt of goods/services.