What is defined as the settlement negotiation of direct and indirect costs for a contract before final cost determination?

The correct choice pertains to the term used to describe the process of negotiating both direct and indirect costs associated with a contract prior to determining the final costs. This practice is essential in ensuring that all costs are accounted for and agreed upon by both the contractor and the government prior to the conclusion of the contract. "Quick closeout" specifically refers to the expedited process of settling these costs efficiently.

During this stage, the parties involved work collaboratively to finalize all outstanding issues and come to an agreement on costs, which may include analyzing invoices, reviewing supporting documents, and discussing any discrepancies. This process is vital in avoiding future disputes and ensuring financial accountability.

In contrast, terms like "rapid closeout" and "automatic closeout" do not accurately define this specific negotiation process. While "final closeout" is indeed related to the conclusion of a contract, it typically signifies the ultimate step after all negotiations and settlements have been completed, rather than the negotiating phase itself.