((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.