### Question
How is the "minimum sustaining rate" defined?


### Answer
The term **minimum sustaining rate** is defined in *10 U.S.C. § 2431* as follows -

> the production rate for each budget year that is necessary to keep production lines open while maintaining a base of responsive vendors and suppliers

#### Citation:
  - *10 U.S.C. § 2431*
  - Heading: **Subtitle A-General Military Law     > PART IV-SERVICE, SUPPLY, AND PROCUREMENT   > CHAPTER 144-MAJOR DEFENSE ACQUISITION PROGRAMS**

