Program of Record(POR)
A formally approved and funded program that has been authorized through the budgeting and congressional appropriation process.
Overview
A Program of Record (POR) is an official program that has received formal approval and dedicated funding through the federal budget process. In DoD and many civilian agencies, PORs have gone through requirements validation, resource allocation, and congressional authorization. They represent sustained, multi-year commitments rather than ad-hoc projects.
Why It Matters in GovCon
PORs drive predictable, recurring contracting opportunities. Contractors who understand which programs are on the books can anticipate follow-on work, modernization efforts, and support contracts. PORs typically have defined lifecycles with scheduled milestones, creating visibility into future procurement needs.
Key Details
- Budget Visibility: PORs appear in budget justification documents and appropriations.
- Lifecycle: May have acquisition phases (development, production, sustainment) with associated contracts.
- Stability: More stable than pilot programs or one-off initiatives.
- DoD Context: Major defense programs are PORs managed through the formal acquisition process.
- Related Contracts: A single POR may have multiple contracts for development, integration, logistics, and operations.
Related Terms
- Program Manager (PM)
- Program Executive Officer (PEO)
- Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
- Task Order
More Programs Terms
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