Detailed Answer
Post-award timeline to work start:
**Typical Timeline:**
- Award notification: Day 0
- Contract execution/signature: 1-14 days
- Notice to Proceed: 1-30 days after execution
- Work start: Per NTP date
**Factors Affecting Start:**
- Funding availability
- Security clearance requirements
- Facility access needs
- Transition from incumbent
- Government readiness
**What Happens Between Award and Start:**
- Contract signing
- Kick-off meeting scheduling
- Security processing
- Badge/access requests
- Phase-in activities
- Knowledge transfer (if replacing incumbent)
**Important Rules:**
- Don't start work before NTP
- Don't incur costs before authorization
- Document all pre-work activities