Are the contract values shown on SAM.gov accurate?

Contract values displayed on SAM.gov come from the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) and reflect the data reported by contracting officers at the time of award and subsequent modifications. These values include obligated amounts (funds actually committed) and potential ceiling values (maximum amounts that could be spent). However, several factors affect accuracy: **Types of values shown:** - **Base and Exercised Options Value**: Amount of the contract with exercised options - **Ultimate Contract Value**: Maximum potential including all options - **Obligated Amount**: Funds actually committed by the government **Common discrepancies:** - Values may not reflect the most recent modifications - Multi-year contracts show cumulative amounts over the contract period - IDIQ contracts show ceiling values that may never be fully utilized - Task order values roll up to parent contract totals **For most accurate information:** - Check the contract's modification history for current obligated amounts - Understand the difference between ceiling values and actual spending - Review FPDS directly for the most detailed financial data - Contact the contracting officer for specific questions USASpending.gov often provides more detailed financial data including actual outlays and expenditures over time.