Authorization to Proceed (ATP)
EVM Terms
Reviewed by forProject Technology - updated Sep 2026
Quick definition: Authorization to Proceed (ATP) is the official go-ahead for a contractor to begin work, typically issued by the procuring contracting officer.
ATP is the formal authorization that allows contract work to start, even if final contract terms or full pricing haven't been completed yet. It's usually issued in writing by the government's procuring contracting officer.
Why it matters
ATP lets work begin on schedule without waiting for every contractual detail to be finalized, which can be critical when a project has a tight start date. It also creates the formal record that later ties into Authorized Work and Authorized Unpriced Work.
Also known as
ATP
Used in
Authorized Work; Authorized Unpriced Work
FAQ
Does ATP mean the contract is fully negotiated?
Not necessarily — ATP can be issued before final pricing or contract terms are settled, which is what makes Authorized Unpriced Work possible.
Who typically issues an ATP?
On government contracts, it's usually the procuring contracting officer.
Definition maintained by forProject Technology.
© 2026 forProject Technology, Inc.
© 2026 forProject Technology, Inc.
