(a) In general
The Secretary of Energy shall ensure that an independent life-cycle cost estimate under Department of Energy Order 413.3B (relating to program management and project management for the acquisition of capital assets), or a successor order, of each capital asset described in subsection (b) is conducted before the asset achieves critical decision 2 in the acquisition process.
(b) Capital assets described
A capital asset described in this subsection is an atomic energy defense capital asset—
(1) the total project cost of which exceeds $100,000,000; and
(2) the purpose of which is to perform a limited-life, single-purpose mission.
(c) Independent defined
For purposes of subsection (a), the term "independent", with respect to a life-cycle cost estimate of a capital asset, means that the life-cycle cost estimate is prepared by an organization independent of the project sponsor, using the same detailed technical and procurement information as the sponsor, to determine if the life-cycle cost estimate of the sponsor is accurate and reasonable.
Amendments
2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–92 substituted "413.3B" for "413.3" and inserted ", or a successor order," after "assets)".
Use of Best Practices for Capital Asset Projects and Nuclear Weapon Life Extension Programs
Pub. L. 114–92, div. C, title XXXI, §3117, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 1195, provided that:
"(a)
"(b)
"(c)
"(1) the capital asset project management order of the Department of Energy to require the use of best practices for preparing cost estimates and for conducting analyses of alternatives for National Nuclear Security Administration and defense environmental management capital asset projects; and
"(2) the nuclear weapon life extension program procedures of the Department to require the use of use of [sic] best practices for preparing cost estimates and conducting analyses of alternatives for National Nuclear Security Administration life extension programs."