# 50 C.F.R. § 80.91 (2026): What is a Federal obligation of funds, and how does it occur?

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P80_S80_91

## Section

- **Citation:** 50 C.F.R. § 80.91 (2026)
- **Heading:** What is a Federal obligation of funds, and how does it occur?
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 50 CFR: Wildlife and Fisheries / Chapter I: UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR / Part 80: ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS, PITTMAN-ROBERTSON WILDLIFE RESTORATION AND DINGELL-JOHNSON SPORT FISH RESTORATION ACTS / Subpart H: General Award Administration / § 80.91: § 80.91   What is a Federal obligation of funds, and how does it occur?

## Text

An obligation of funds is a legal liability to disburse funds immediately or later based on a series of actions. All these actions must occur to obligate funds for the formula-based grant programs authorized by the Acts:
(a) The Service sends to a State fish and wildlife agency an annual certificate of apportionment, which tells the agency how much funding is available according to formulas in the Acts.
(b) The agency sends the Regional Director an application for Federal assistance to use the funds available to the agency under the Acts and commits to provide the required cost sharing to carry out projects that are substantial in character and design.
(c) The Regional Director notifies the agency that the application for Federal assistance is approved and states the terms and conditions of the award.
(d) The agency accepts the terms and conditions of the award in one of the following ways:
(1) Starts work on the grant-funded project by placing an order, entering into a contract, entering into a subaward, receiving goods or services, or otherwise incurring allowable costs during the period of performance that will require payment immediately or in the future;
(2) Draws down funds for an allowable activity under the award; or
(3) Accepts the award via electronic means.

## Nearby sections

- [50 C.F.R. § 80.91 (2026) § 80.91   What is a Federal obligation of funds, and how does it occur?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P80_S80_91.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 80.92 (2026) § 80.92   How long are funds available for a Federal obligation?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P80_S80_92.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 80.93 (2026) § 80.93   When may a State fish and wildlife agency incur costs under an award?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P80_S80_93.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 80.94 (2026) § 80.94   May a State fish and wildlife agency incur costs before the beginning of the period of performance?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P80_S80_94.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 80.95 (2026) § 80.95   How does a State fish and wildlife agency receive Federal award funds?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P80_S80_95.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 80.96 (2026) § 80.96   May a State fish and wildlife agency use Federal funds without using cost sharing?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P80_S80_96.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 80.97 (2026) § 80.97   What is barter, and may a State fish and wildlife agency use barter of goods or services to carry out a grant-funded project?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P80_S80_97.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 80.98 (2026) § 80.98   How must a State fish and wildlife agency include barter in an award and report barter transactions?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P80_S80_98.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 80.99 (2026) § 80.99   Are symbols available to identify projects?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P80_S80_99.md)
- [50 C.F.R. § 80.100 (2026) § 80.100   Must a State fish and wildlife agency display one of the symbols set forth in this part on a completed project?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P80_S80_100.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T50_P80_S80_91. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.