### Question
How is the term life-cycle cost defined?


### Answer
The term **life-cycle cost** is defined in *51 U.S.C. § 30104* as the following:

> the total of the direct, indirect, recurring, and nonrecurring costs, including the construction of facilities and civil servant costs, and other related expenses incurred or estimated to be incurred in the design, development, verification, production, operation, maintenance, support, and retirement of a program over its planned lifespan, without regard to funding source or management control

#### Citation:
  - *51 U.S.C. § 30104*
  - Heading: **Subtitle III-Administrative Provisions > CHAPTER 301-APPROPRIATIONS, BUDGETS, AND ACCOUNTING**

