Pitch Dictionary by pitch.dog
Bidding, estimating & procurement · Working

Not-to-exceed

Also called: NTE

ELI5

A cost ceiling that cannot be exceeded without agreed authorisation, subject to the contract.

Used in conversation

“Let’s confirm the not-to-exceed before the director starts the next treatment draft.”

Pitch context

You may encounter “Not-to-exceed” in advertising & director treatments conversations or materials.

Why it matters: Helps interpret the brief, director treatment, bid, award, production process and campaign deliverables.

Caution

Meaning and consequences may change by contract, collective agreement, territory or law. This entry is orientation, not legal advice.

Sources & evidence · 4

Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.