Contract Line Item Number(CLIN)
A numbered item in a contract that identifies a specific deliverable, service, or unit of work along with its quantity and price.
Overview
A Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) is the basic building block of a government contract's pricing structure. Each CLIN identifies a distinct deliverable, service, or category of work, along with its quantity, unit of measure, and unit price. CLINs make it possible to track costs, manage deliveries, and process invoices at a granular level.
Why It Matters in GovCon
CLINs directly affect how you price proposals, invoice for work, and report on contract performance. Mispricing a CLIN or misunderstanding its scope can lead to underbilling, overbilling, or compliance issues. They are also how the government exercises options and modifies contract scope.
Key Details
- Structure: Each CLIN has a four-digit number (e.g., 0001, 0002). Sub-line items (SLINs) add two more digits for finer breakdowns.
- Types: CLINs can cover supplies, services, data deliverables, or option periods.
- Pricing: Each CLIN specifies a contract type (firm fixed price, cost-reimbursable, etc.) and pricing arrangement.
- Invoicing: Contractors invoice against specific CLINs, and the government tracks obligations and expenditures at the CLIN level.
Related Terms
- Firm Fixed Price (FFP)
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF)
- Delivery Order
- Task Order
More Contracts Terms
A simplified method of filling anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services by establishing charge accounts with qualified vendors.
A contract type where the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit.
An order placed against an existing contract for the delivery of supplies or materials.
A contract type where the price is set at award and does not change regardless of the contractor's actual costs, placing maximum risk on the contractor.
Long-term government-wide contracts with commercial firms that provide federal agencies access to products and services at pre-negotiated prices.
A pre-competed, multiple-award IDIQ contract that any federal agency can use to purchase IT products and services.
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