Scientific programs which require more than 1 Ms of observing time are referred to as ``Very Large Programs''. The XMM-Newton Users Group explicitly encourages the submission of ``Very Large Programs''. A strong scientific case is evidently envisaged. The Principal Investigator is asked to flag such proposals as ``Large Programs'' within the electronic submission of the proposal with the RPS.
``Very Large Programs'' may be accepted for observation in two consecutive AOs. In this case up to 1.5 Ms of observing time may be allocated for ``Very Large Programs'' observations in the following AO. Therefore, the total requested observing time for a specific position on the sky may be as large as the total visibility period during one year. For each individual program the time allocated in the second AO shall not exceed the time allocated in the current AO. The XMM-Newton Users Group recommendation is that the total time allocated to ``Large'' and ``Very Large'' programs together is about 30% of the time available for the AO.