ufrs and fallout

What Are UFR's (Unfunded Requests) and Why DO They Matter?

Unfunded Requests (UFRs) are mission-critical needs identified by government organizations that lack allocated funds in the current budget cycle. They serve as a formal mechanism for requesting additional resources when priorities shift or new capabilities are needed. UFRs are often leveraged to secure funding from fallout money, program-level reallocations, or Congressional adds.

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They bridge gaps between mission needs and available budgets.

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They provide a structured way to prioritize funding when extra dollars become available.

They create opportunities for industry partners to deliver solutions outside traditional procurement timelines.

Types of UFR's

  • Operational UFRs:
    Submitted at unit, group, or wing level to capture immediate mission needs. Often funded through unused end-of-year (EOY) money or fallout funds. Typical range: $100K–$1M. [3c. Guide - UFR | Word], [Opportunit...es Summary | Word]
  • Programmatic UFRs:
    Higher-level requests submitted to Congress by Service Chiefs or Combatant Commands for additional appropriations beyond the President’s budget. These can reach multi-million-dollar levels.

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    UFR Process Overview

  • Identify Requirement: Define what you need, why you need it, and how it supports the mission.
  • Build UFR Package: Includes memo, cost estimate, justification, and technical scope.
  • Walk It Up the Chain: Squadron → Group → Wing → Program Office.
  • Rack & Stack: Leadership prioritizes UFRs internally.
  • Contracting & Finance: Statement of Work drafted; Form 9 issued; contract awarded.

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    Funding Sources

  • Fallout Money: Unused funds redistributed at EOY.
  • Program Objective Memorandum (POM): Longer-term planning for recurring funding.
  • Congressional Adds: Appropriations language for additional funding

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    Key Timing

  • Groundwork starts early (spring), but most UFR dollars drop late summer (Aug–Sept).
  • Packages should be ready well before the fiscal year-end to capture fallout funds.

    • Fallout Money

    On the other hand, “Fall-out Money” also known as “use it or lose it” funds, refers to unspent budget allocations at the end of the fiscal year. These funds can become available when other projects come under budget, are behind schedule or are canceled, allowing the reallocation of the surplus to other areas. Units within the Department of Defense (DoD) may rush to spend these funds to avoid losing them in subsequent budget cycles.

    In the complex world of financial management, especially within defense budgets, understanding and navigating fall-out opportunity is crucial for effective fiscal planning and resource allocation.

    Is this program a good fit?

  • TRL Fit: Typically TRL 6–9 for operational UFRs; higher for programmatic.
  • Funding Range: $100K–$1M (operational) to multi-million (programmatic).
  • Color of Money: RDT&E, O&M, or Procurement depending on scope

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    How to Pursue Fall-out Money

    Rolling 01
    • Within the organization (which could be a base, division, or wing), the extra funding is consolidated into a pool called fallout funds.
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    • These funds are essentially a safety net for urgent needs that arise after the regular budget cycle.
    Soliciting02
    • Program managers or operational end users will identify specific needs that require additional funding.
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    • These requests will include details such as the program, the purpose of the funding, and the amount needed.
    Competing03
    • Programs, Commanders, and units compete for access to fallout funds
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    • The department evaluates the overall importance and urgency of each request.
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    • Priorities are established and decisions are made

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    Colors of
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    • The government uses different “colors of money” to categorize funds.
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    • Ex: procurement, research & development, operations and maintenance, etc.
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    • Fallout money can come from various categories, but their use case must align with the appropriate color of money.
    Preserving05
    • While accessing fallout funds, there are strict limits in place designed to maintain congressional oversight.
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    • This transparency is in place to ensure that funds are legally spent under the Appropriations Law fiscal limitations of purpose, time, and amount.
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    • This transparency is in place to ensure that funds are used appropriately and efficiently.

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