project management glossary

frequency of measure

 How often data is to be collected and reported.

front end

 That part of the project life cycle that is at the very beginning, or even just before.

 See Concept Phase or Opportunity Phase.

front loading

 An attempt by a performing contractor to provide adequate budgets for the near-term work, but at the expense of the far-term effort which will be underfunded. It is an attempt to delay the acknowledgment of a potential cost overrun, in the hope that the contractor may "get well" through changes in the contract statement of work. Front loading is often the result of inadequate or unrealistic negotiated contract target costs.

full and open competition

 The process by which all responsible bidders are allowed to compete.

full operational capability

 The attainment of specified performance in the operational environment.