When is a CARD required?

When is a CARD required?

• A. Only After Milestone B
• B. For ACAT 1 and 1A Systems
• C. For All Programs
• D. In the Design Phase Only

Answer: (B)

CARD, or Cost Analysis Requirements Description, is a DoD document that defines the cost estimating requirements and methods for a program. It is required for ACAT I and ACAT IA programs, the major defense acquisition programs that require formal oversight and defensible, traceable cost estimates for milestone decisions. This ensures the cost estimating approach, data sources, required analyses, and reporting structure are established early and maintained throughout the program’s life cycle. It isn’t required for all programs, and it isn’t limited to just the design phase; the CARD guides cost estimation from early concepts onward, focusing on the programs that carry the largest budgetary and oversight implications.

CARD, or Cost Analysis Requirements Description, is a DoD document that defines the cost estimating requirements and methods for a program. It is required for ACAT I and ACAT IA programs, the major defense acquisition programs that require formal oversight and defensible, traceable cost estimates for milestone decisions. This ensures the cost estimating approach, data sources, required analyses, and reporting structure are established early and maintained throughout the program’s life cycle. It isn’t required for all programs, and it isn’t limited to just the design phase; the CARD guides cost estimation from early concepts onward, focusing on the programs that carry the largest budgetary and oversight implications.