### Question
How is the "ship critical safety item" defined?


### Answer
The term **ship critical safety item** is defined in *10 U.S.C. § 3243* as follows -

> any ship part, assembly, or support equipment containing a characteristic the failure, malfunction, or absence of which could cause a catastrophic or critical failure resulting in loss of or serious damage to the ship or unacceptable risk of personal injury or loss of life

#### Citation:
  - *10 U.S.C. § 3243*
  - Heading: **Subtitle A-General Military Law > PART V-ACQUISITION > Subpart B-Acquisition Planning > CHAPTER 223-OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLANNING AND SOLICITATION GENERALLY**

