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


### Answer
The term **life-cycle cost** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 16613* as follows -

> 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:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 16613*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 150-NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE PROGRAMS, 2005 > SUBCHAPTER I-GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND REPORTS**

