### Question
How does NATIONAL SECURITY define independent cost estimate?


### Answer
Under *50 U.S.C. § 415a*, **independent cost estimate** is defined as:

> a pragmatic and neutral analysis, assessment, and quantification of all costs and risks associated with the development, acquisition, procurement, operation, and sustainment of a major system across its proposed life cycle, which shall be based on programmatic and technical specifications provided by the office within the element of the intelligence community with primary responsibility for the development, procurement, or operation of the major system

#### Citation:
  - *50 U.S.C. § 415a*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 15-NATIONAL SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER III-ACCOUNTABILITY FOR INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES**

