What is NTE?

glossary · NTE

NTE stands for Not To Exceed. It is a contract term that caps the maximum dollar amount the government will obligate against a specific contract, task order, or modification. NTE puts a ceiling on the total spend even when the actual cost is uncertain.

You will see NTE most often on time-and-materials contracts, indefinite-delivery vehicles, and modifications. The ceiling can be raised through a contract modification if both parties agree.

Why it matters

This question resolves to NTE — the government object that holds the records behind this answer. Open it for the full picture.

Questions this answers

Glossary entry

For the canonical definition and citations, see the full glossary entry.

Open the glossary entry →

What to search next

Search from here

100M+ government records · 110+ gov/news sources · Sourced from official federal systems

Follow this

Get updates when this changes — new records, related activity, relevant filings.