When should Affordability Goals be established?

• A. Milestone A
• B. Milestone B
• C. Milestone C
• D. During procurement planning

Answer: (A)

Establishing affordability goals early sets the financial boundaries that guide every later decision. When cost targets are defined at the outset, they shape requirements, system architecture, and option choices so the program stays within available funding and delivers the intended value. This early framing supports effective trade studies and procurement approaches that are aligned with the budget. If affordability is only determined during procurement planning, there’s less room to influence design and sourcing decisions, increasing the risk of costly changes, scope shifts, or budget overruns later on.