### Question
How does CLAIMS define obligation?


### Answer
Under *31 U.S.C. § 3729*, **obligation** is defined as:

> 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**

