4.1 The intent of this guide is to provide a foundation for the minimum effective internal assessment of a contractor's government asset management system. A contractor may incorporate all or part of this guide in accordance with its established procedures and operating environment. Self-assessment should be used to identify deficiencies, related increases to risk, and to serve as a method for obtaining correction to those deficiencies, independent of, and often in advance of, a government audit, review or assessment. It should also be used to assist in determining the effective assignment of asset management resources; and to serve as a method for promoting continuous improvement in asset management practices. Self-assessments, in and of themselves may not be sufficiently independent to address external or government review, assessment, or audit requirements.

4.2 To the extent possible, a Contractor Self-Assessment (CSA) program should provide a level of objectivity like that of an asset management system analysis performed by a government or other external auditor. Individuals who perform assessments should not be the same individuals who perform the functions being tested when enough resources are available. The contractor's official written procedures should identify functional positions responsible for performing the self-assessment and address management controls used to maintain independence and prevent conflicts of interest whenever individuals who perform property functions also participate in CSA activities.

4.3 The results of the CSA alone do not determine adequacy or inadequacy of the contractor's government asset management system but should identify the level of risk presented by the contractor's business practices. The results of the CSA should be made available to external auditors or reviewers for potential inclusion in their audits or reports in accordance with contractual requirements and the contractor's procedures.