Authorized Work
EVM Terms
Reviewed by forProject Technology - updated Sep 2026
Quick definition: Authorized Work is the work scope on a contract or project that management has formally authorized to be performed.
On government contracts specifically, Authorized Work includes effort that's fully definitized and on contract, plus effort with written authorization even though its contract costs haven't been formally agreed to yet (Authorized Unpriced Work). Together, these make up the full scope a contractor is cleared to work on at a given time.
Why it matters
Authorized Work marks the boundary of what can legitimately be planned, resourced, and reported against — work outside this scope shouldn't be started or charged. It's the foundation that Authorized Unpriced Work and Authorization to Proceed feed into.
Also known as
N/A
Used in
Total Allocated Budget; Work Authorization process
See also
FAQ
Does Authorized Work always have a fully negotiated price?
Not always — it includes both definitized, priced effort and effort that's authorized in writing but still unpriced (Authorized Unpriced Work).
Who can authorize work on a contract?
Authorization comes from management, and on government contracts ultimately traces back to the contracting officer's written authorization.
Definition maintained by forProject Technology.
© 2026 forProject Technology, Inc.
© 2026 forProject Technology, Inc.
