This is the value of the contracts secured in a given period.
Contracts awarded is a metric commonly used in the Aerospace & Defense, Commercial Airplanes, and Construction industries where manufacturers compete (usually on price) for a customer's order. For example, United Airlines sends out a proposal to both Boeing Company (BA) and Airbus for 5 new airplanes. The two companies then send competing offers to United Airlines- United Airlines then picks the best offer, which becomes a "contract awarded" for the manufacturer.