In a complex geopolitical world, the pace of strategic Defence Capability decision making is increasing. This places greater pressure on project cost analysts expected to develop reliable project cost estimates expeditiously in support of capability decision making processes. This stream seeks to provide an overview of the process for Defence cost analysts to quickly gain a thorough understanding of proposed Defence capability, focusing on the key project artefacts that educe the most important information required to develop reliable cost estimates. Further, it emphasises the importance of working with key stakeholders involved in the CLC process to consistently produce reliable whole of life costs.