[GAO Glossary of Terms and Definitions (September 2005)]

Commitment

An administrative reservation of allotted funds, or of other funds, in anticipation of their obligation. For federal proprietary accounting, a commitment may also manifest an intent to expend assets (e.g., to provide government social insurance benefits). See Statement of Federal Financial Accounting Standards (SFFAS) No. 25, Basis for Conclusions, para. 8, and SFFAS No. 17, Basis for Conclusions, paras. 65 and 94. (See also Allotment; Loan Guarantee Commitment under Federal Credit; Obligation.)