There 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 timeframes. The second is very similar to the allocated method, but does not require additional budget lines on a budget document. Here authority is added to the current allotment period with a budget document, 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.
For how to create and modify allotment lines, see the Allotments section and the "Allot a Budget Line" task. 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 document and not just a table change.
Below are samples of both allotment methods using two different allotment periods. The first set is a sample of allotment method 1 where a sample budget line of $100,000 is fully allotted. Spending will be restricted to the amount available in an allotment period plus unused amounts from prior periods. The second set is a sample of allotment method 2 where only $25,000 of the budget line is allotted and made available. The rest will be determined later as necessary. The sample demonstrates that this type of reserve is one done by users with budget document security.
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