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InfoThere are two ways in which allotment lines can be used to reserve budget authority. The first method is the natural use of allotment lines where authority is spread out across some time frame so that availability is only what is defined to that time frame. Optionally, availability can also be cumulative making available any remaining amounts from prior time frames. The second is very similar to the allocated method, but does not require additional budget lines on a budget transaction. Here authority is added to the current allotment period with a budget transaction, as needed, just like an allocation is done. As the first allotment method does not require the full allotment of authority granted to the budget line, a combination of these two methods can be put into place. Implementing allotments requires that the budget structure have allotment capability designed into it as well as completion of the Allotment Options page.
The first method of using allotments has benefits over the reservation and allocation methods in that it requires no action on the part of any user as a new allotment period begins. It does require more effort in the beginning, however, especially depending on the allotment frequency to establish the allotment lines. The second allotment method has the same benefits and limitations as the allocation method. Compared to the reservation method, both methods of allotment reserves allow for very specific reservation amounts instead of established percentages. However, releasing reserves with allotment method two requires a budget transaction.