### Question
What does covered supplier cost mean?


### Answer
**Covered supplier cost** has the following meaning in *15 U.S.C. § 636m*:

> an expenditure made by an entity to a supplier of goods for the supply of goods that—


(A) are essential to the operations of the entity at the time at which the expenditure is made

#### Citation:
  - *15 U.S.C. § 636m*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 14A-AID TO SMALL BUSINESS**

