	Section 1: Economic Analysis

For the purpose of this report, an economic analysis is defined as an  analysis that is intended to inform decision-makers and stakeholders  about the economic effects of an action. GAO identifies five key methodological elements to the baseline structure  of an economic analysis. Section 3: Assessment Methodology

GAO’s assessment methodology has two steps: (1) an assessment of  each individual key element and (2) an overall assessment based on the  assessment of the individual key elements. These key elements are: (1) objective and  scope; (2) methodology; (3) analysis of effects; (4) transparency; (5)  documentation.
Why GAO Did This Study

We prepared this report to answer the question: What are key methodological elements of an economic analysis that is intended to inform decision-makers and stakeholders?

What GAO Found

GAO identifies five key methodological elements to the baseline structure of an economic analysis: Objective and scope, Methodology, Analysis of effects, Transparency and Documentation. GAO's assessment methodology evaluates each key element and provides an overall assessment based on the assessment of the individual key elements.