independent cost estimate

An independent estimate for a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) or Major Automated Information System (MAIS). The term “independent” refers to both organizational and analytic independence. Organizational independence means that the cost estimate is prepared by an entity not within any organization that would unduly influence the estimate. Analytic independence means that the cost estimate is free of any bias or preconceived notions about the program's most likely cost. The estimate covers the entire life cycle of the program and includes sunk costs; Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) costs; procurement; military construction; military pay; and operations and maintenance costs. The Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (DCAPE) conducts ICEs and cost analyses for MDAPs. The ICE is also known as the “Will Cost” Estimate.