A CLIN, or contract line item number, identifies one item the government is buying in a solicitation or contract. Under FAR 4.1003, each line item must be separately identifiable and have a single unit or total price, a single accounting classification, its own delivery schedule or destination, and a single pricing type. In Department of Defense contracts CLINs are four digits, 0001 through 9999. For a reseller, the CLIN is the unit of work, and each one is sourced, quoted and priced on its own.
How CLINs Shape the Bid
The line item structure is set by the government, and the bid has to follow it. A supplier quote that does not map to a CLIN, or combines two CLINs in one price, cannot be used without rework. Clauses and requirements also attach to individual lines. For example, a nonmanufacturer rule or approved-source restriction may apply to one CLIN and not to another in the same solicitation.
How It Works
Numbering. DFARS PGI 204.7103-2 sets CLINs at four numeric digits, 0001 through 9999, and requires the solicitation and contract to use the same numbers. Civilian agencies number line items under their own procedures.
Subline items (SLINs). PGI 204.7104-2 adds two characters to the CLIN:
| Type | Format | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Informational subline | Two digits, e.g. 0001 01 | Information about the line item, such as a funding split; not separately priced |
| Separately identified subline | Two letters, e.g. 0001AA (I and O excluded) | A part of the item that is separately priced or delivered |
Under FAR 4.1004, informational sublines need not meet the line item characteristics, while separately identified sublines must.
What to record per CLIN before sourcing. Quantity and unit of issue, description and specification, part number or NSN, delivery date and destination, inspection and acceptance terms, and any clause that applies to that line. These fields become the supplier request. A field table for this step is in how to source supplier quotes for a government solicitation.
FAQ
What is the difference between a CLIN and a SLIN?
A CLIN is a line item; a SLIN is a subline under it. Lettered SLINs are separately priced or delivered parts of the item. Numbered SLINs carry information only.
Do I quote every CLIN?
That depends on the solicitation. Some require a price for every line; others allow quotes on individual lines. Read the instructions to offerors before deciding which lines to source.
Can one supplier quote cover several CLINs?
Yes, as long as it prices each CLIN separately so each price can be entered against its own line.
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