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Federal Procurement

Define Program Characteristics

Search Define Program Characteristics government contracts, grants, and federal opportunities.

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Define Program Characteristics

Glossary

A glossary tracked by Bureauify. See sources and related records below.

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Why does Step 3: Define Program Characteristics matter?

Document the technical and programmatic characteristics that drive cost. This step translates system requirements, performance parameters, and technical specifications into cost-relevant attributes. Understanding what the program will do and how it will be built is essential for selecting appropriate cost estimating relationships.

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Key Activities

  • 1.Document system performance requirements and technical parameters
  • 2.Identify technology readiness levels (TRLs) for key components
  • 3.Map the program schedule including development, production, and sustainment phases
  • 4.Identify quantities, production rates, and deployment timelines
  • 5.Assess system complexity relative to analogous programs

Deliverables

Technical baseline descriptionSystem performance parameter summaryProgram schedule with key milestonesTechnology maturity assessment

Common Pitfalls

  • !Using requirements that are still in flux without documenting assumptions
  • !Ignoring immature technologies that will drive cost growth
  • !Failing to capture the full lifecycle including sustainment and disposal

Adjacent Steps

Define the Estimate's PurposeStep 1Develop the Estimating PlanStep 2Determine the Estimating Structure (WBS)Step 4Identify Ground Rules and AssumptionsStep 5

All Other Steps

Obtain DataStep 6Develop the Point EstimateStep 7Conduct Sensitivity AnalysisStep 8Conduct Risk and Uncertainty AnalysisStep 9Document the EstimateStep 10Present Estimate for Management ApprovalStep 11Update the Estimate to Reflect Actual CostsStep 12

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Cite this page
Bureauify. (2026). Define Program Characteristics — Federal Contract Intelligence. Bureauify Federal Intelligence. Retrieved , from https://bureauify.com/glossary/define-program-characteristics

Data Methodology

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Primary: Federal Acquisition Glossary, GSA Reference. Supplemented by 110+ federal data feeds including GAO, IG reports, Federal Register, and agency forecasts.

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Data is sourced from official federal systems and refreshed regularly. Verify critical details on the originating agency website before making business decisions.

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