Contract Line Item Number (CLIN)

Definition

Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) are four-digit identifiers used under the Uniform Contract Format to identify each priced item on a federal contract. The first CLIN is typically 0001 and they increment by tens or hundreds to leave room for future additions. Sub-items are SLINs (sub-CLINs). Each CLIN has its own price, quantity, period of performance, and sometimes its own contract type, so a single contract can combine FFP CLINs for production with T&M CLINs for engineering services. CLIN structure is negotiated during award and becomes the basis for invoicing, funding, and reporting.

Why It Matters

CLIN structure determines how you invoice, how the government tracks obligations, and how modifications affect you. A poorly structured CLIN list creates accounting headaches: unpriced options, single CLINs that span multiple colors of money, or CLINs that bundle too many deliverables. On cost-type contracts, CLINs also determine how fee is earned. Sophisticated contractors negotiate CLIN structure as hard as they negotiate price.

Example

A contract includes CLINs for base period services (0001), option year 1 services (1001), and surge hours (1002). The government exercises Option 1 but underfunds CLIN 1002. The contractor notices, requests additional funding before burning into a stop-work, and avoids a delay.

Related Terms