### Question
Can you define what obligation means?


### Answer
**Obligation** is defined as the following in *31 U.S.C. § 3729*:

> an established duty, whether or not fixed, arising from an express or implied contractual, grantor-grantee, or licensor-licensee relationship, from a fee-based or similar relationship, from statute or regulation, or from the retention of any overpayment

#### Citation:
  - *31 U.S.C. § 3729*
  - Heading: **SUBTITLE III-FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT > CHAPTER 37-CLAIMS > SUBCHAPTER III-CLAIMS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT**

