For which milestone review is the CARD used?

For which milestone review is the CARD used?

• A. Milestone A
• B. Milestone B
• C. Milestone C
• D. Milestone D

Answer: (B)

The CARD, or Cost Analysis Requirements Description, is the formal document that lays out the approach, data sources, assumptions, and methods used to develop the program’s cost estimate. It provides a traceable, auditable basis for the budget and is prepared to support a critical review of the cost estimate by decision-makers. This is why it’s used at Milestone B. Milestone B is the point where a program moves from concept into System Development and Demonstration, and the organization must have a credible, approved cost estimate to justify proceeding and funding. The CARD gives the Defense Acquisition Board and other stakeholders the transparent methodology and data behind the cost estimate, enabling informed risk assessment and affordability analysis. While early concept work (Milestone A) is looser on cost detail, and later stages (Milestone C or D) involve updates, the formal CARD is associated with Milestone B to support that key decision to continue into development.

The CARD, or Cost Analysis Requirements Description, is the formal document that lays out the approach, data sources, assumptions, and methods used to develop the program’s cost estimate. It provides a traceable, auditable basis for the budget and is prepared to support a critical review of the cost estimate by decision-makers.

This is why it’s used at Milestone B. Milestone B is the point where a program moves from concept into System Development and Demonstration, and the organization must have a credible, approved cost estimate to justify proceeding and funding. The CARD gives the Defense Acquisition Board and other stakeholders the transparent methodology and data behind the cost estimate, enabling informed risk assessment and affordability analysis. While early concept work (Milestone A) is looser on cost detail, and later stages (Milestone C or D) involve updates, the formal CARD is associated with Milestone B to support that key decision to continue into development.