governance
Decision-grade estimate
An estimate documented with its purpose, bounded scope, evidence basis, assumptions, uncertainty and review trigger so a named decision can be made without treating the forecast as a promise.
This is an editorial synthesis, not terminology defined by GAO or Scrum. “Decision-grade” is contextual: a reversible discovery investment needs less evidence than a regulated or irreversible commitment. The term does not assert a statistical confidence level.
Sources
- Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide: Best Practices for Developing and Managing Program Costs · primary
- The Scrum Guide · canonical