Contract Line Item Number (CLIN)
Government Standards
Reviewed by forProject Technology - updated Sep 2026
Quick definition: A Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) is a unique identifier assigned to specific items or services listed within a contract, used for administration, accounting, billing, and deliverable tracking.
Every item the Government will take delivery of, during or at the end of the contract, must be tied to a CLIN or a Sub Line Item (SLIN) beneath it. The acquisition cost of each item that enters Government property inventory is tracked against its CLIN or SLIN.
Why it matters
CLINs give the Government a clean way to track exactly what it's paying for and receiving, item by item, rather than as one lump contract total. This structure also supports Government property accountability once items are delivered.
Also known as
N/A
Used in
Government contract structuring and property accountability
FAQ
What's the difference between a CLIN and a SLIN?
A SLIN, or Sub Line Item, is a further breakdown beneath a CLIN, used when a single line item needs to be split into more detailed pieces.
Are CLINs set up after a contract is awarded?
No — they're established when the contract is structured, before award, so every deliverable item has a CLIN in place from the start.
Definition maintained by forProject Technology.
© 2026 forProject Technology, Inc.
© 2026 forProject Technology, Inc.
