A method to reduce volatility of the results of a contribution allocation procedure. The output smoothing method may be a component of the contribution allocation procedure or may be applied to the results of a contribution allocation procedure. Output smoothing methods include techniques such as 1) phasing in the impact of assumption changes on contributions, 2) blending a prior valuation with a subsequent valuation to determine contributions, or 3) placing a corridor around changes in the dollar amount, contribution rate, or percentage change in contributions from year to year. An output smoothing method may involve a combination of techniques. For purposes of this standard, an asset valuation method is not an output smoothing method.