Program Manager(PM)
The government official responsible for defining requirements, managing a program budget, and overseeing contractor performance on a specific program.
Overview
The Program Manager (PM) is the government employee who owns the mission need and manages the program from a technical and budgetary perspective. The PM defines what the government needs, works with the contracting office to acquire it, and oversees delivery. PMs are typically part of the requiring activity, not the contracting shop.
Why It Matters in GovCon
The PM drives requirements and has significant influence over procurement strategy and evaluation criteria. Building relationships with PMs during market research and industry engagement helps you understand their priorities before the RFP drops. The PM's endorsement of an approach can shape the solicitation in ways that favor capable offerors.
Key Details
- Requirements Owner: Defines the statement of work or performance work statement.
- Budget Authority: Manages program funding and justifies appropriations.
- Technical Oversight: Works with the COR to ensure contractor delivery meets needs.
- No Contract Authority: The PM cannot modify contracts or obligate funds; only the CO can.
- Acquisition Support: The PM supports the CO with technical evaluation and source selection input.
Related Terms
- Program Executive Officer (PEO)
- Contracting Officer (CO)
- Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)
- Program of Record (POR)
More Programs Terms
An SBA program that helps small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals compete for federal contracts.
A subcategory of WOSB for women-owned small businesses where the owners are also economically disadvantaged, eligible for additional sole-source contracts.
An SBA program that gives preferential access to federal contracts for small businesses located in economically distressed areas.
A program pairing large experienced contractors with small businesses to help them build capabilities through joint ventures, subcontracting, and technical assistance.
A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans with a service-connected disability, eligible for federal set-aside contracts.
A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women, eligible for federal set-aside contracts in underrepresented industries.
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