Could I start and then the Comptroller General will add to it.
The government does set its own policies for amortization of assets. In most cases, when we're talking about computers or automobiles or desks, people will look at the average life of those assets. There can be particular assets that, depending on the situation, can last for a very long time. I'm thinking particularly about military assets. If you're training here at home or if you're involved in overseas activities, the amortization period could be very different.
For most assets, you will take into account the general usage and you can look back historically, but then in particular cases you will have to look at what those assets are going to be used for, and the amortization policy, even if you have one, may have to be modified, given the particular circumstances.