All that to say, defense is a large budget in American spending, and as global tensions arise, this does not look as though this budget will be going down any time soon.
That’s how much funding was allocated for the Department of Defense in FY 2023
That’s how much congress approved through an appropriations bill in FY 2024.
That’s how much the Biden administration submitted as a request for FY 2025.
UFR, or unfunded request refers to a project that is identified as a necessary project but lacks allocated funds in the current budget cycle. These requirements may arise from emerging threats, the need for equipment upgrades, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Crafting a compelling UFR is essential for securing additional resources and involves a clear justification of the requirement, its impact on the mission, and the consequences of not funding it.
The process of managing UFRs is meticulous, often involving multiple levels of approval and review, from organizational heads to congressional oversight. It’s a balancing act between strategic priorities and available funding, aiming to ensure that the most critical needs are met even when resources are limited.
A Key thing to note about UFR’s and Fall-out money is the fact these are not programs but a processes dependent on organization.
The terms “UFR” and “Fall-out Money” are often used in the context of budgeting and finance, particularly within government and military funding. They both play a huge role in the federal budget for defense, and as a result, can play a major role in your federal “go-to-market” strategy if understood and utilized correctly.
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 your company…
If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, then your company could be eligible for SBIR or STTR!