; (2) an analysis of the tradeoffs between risk and the needs of United States Government policy conducted as part of the most recent Vital Presence Validation Process, if applicable; and (3) reasonable assumptions about the strategic importance of the post over the life of the building. (b) Other agencies Other agencies represented at the post shall provide to the Department, upon request, growth projections for their own personnel over the estimated life of the facility. (c) Basis for estimates The Department shall base its growth assumption for all NECs and NCCs on the estimates required under subsections (a) and (b). (d) Zero net growth requirement The growth assumed for NECs and NCCs pursuant to subsection (c) should be offset by staff reductions at other posts such that there is zero net growth over the period covered by the Long-Range Overseas Building Plan required under section 206. 205. Consolidation of small diplomatic posts (a) New embassies and consulates Prior to initiating the site selection process for any new embassy or consulate for a diplomatic post that has employed 10 or fewer United States Government employees on average over the 3 years prior to the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct an analysis of alternatives, including consolidating such post with other nearby diplomatic posts. (b) Notification Not later than 30 days after conducting an analysis of alternatives pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of the results of the analysis. (c) Existing small diplomatic posts Not later than 305 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Department shall complete a cost-benefit analysis for maintaining any consulate that has employed five or fewer United States Government employees on average over the three years prior to the date of the enactment of this Act. Each analysis shall include, at minimum— (1) the full cost of maintaining the consulate