COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Guarantees of Subsidiary Performance Obligations

From time to time in the ordinary course of business, the company guarantees obligations of its subsidiaries under certain contracts. Generally, the company is liable under such an arrangement only if its subsidiary is unable to perform under its contract. Historically, the company has not incurred any substantial liabilities resulting from these guarantees.

In addition, the company’s subsidiaries may enter into joint ventures, teaming and other business arrangements (collectively, Business Arrangements) to support our products and services in U.S. and international markets. The company generally strives to limit its exposure under these arrangements to its subsidiary’s investment in the Business Arrangements or to the extent of such subsidiary’s obligations under the applicable contract. In some cases, however, the company may be required to guarantee performance by the Business Arrangements and, in such cases, the company generally strives to obtain cross-indemnification from the other members of the Business Arrangements.

At March 31, 2016, the company is not aware of any existing event of default that would require it to satisfy any of these guarantees.

U.S. Government Cost Claims

From time to time, the company is advised of claims by the U.S. Government concerning certain potential disallowed costs, plus, at times, penalties and interest. When such findings are presented, the company and the U.S. Government representatives engage in discussions to enable the company to evaluate the merits of these claims, as well as to assess the amounts being claimed. Where appropriate, provisions are made to reflect the company’s estimated exposure for matters raised by the U.S. Government. Such provisions are reviewed periodically using the most recent information available. The company believes it has adequately reserved for disputed amounts that are probable and estimable, and the outcome of any such matters would not have a material adverse effect on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2016, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows.

Environmental Matters

The table below summarizes management’s estimate of the range of reasonably possible future costs for environmental remediation, the amount accrued within that range, and the deferred costs expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on U.S. Government contracts as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:



$ in millions	Range of Reasonably Possible Future Costs⁽¹⁾	Accrued Costs⁽²⁾		Deferred Costs⁽³⁾
March 31, 2016	$364 - $808	$	377	$	192
December 31, 2015	353 - 812	370		186


⁽¹⁾	The range of reasonably possible future costs does not take into consideration amounts expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on U.S. Government contracts.

⁽²⁾As of March 31, 2016, $110 million is recorded in other current liabilities and $267 million is recorded in other non-current liabilities.

⁽³⁾As of March 31, 2016, $62 million is deferred in inventoried costs and $130 million is deferred in other non-current assets. These amounts are evaluated for recoverability on a routine basis.

Although management cannot predict whether new information gained as our environmental remediation projects progress, or as changes in facts and circumstances occur, will materially affect the estimated liability accrued, we do not anticipate future remediation expenditures associated with our currently identified projects will have a material adverse effect on the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2016, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows.

Financial Arrangements

In the ordinary course of business, the company uses standby letters of credit and guarantees issued by commercial banks and surety bonds issued principally by insurance companies to guarantee the performance on certain obligations. At March 31, 2016, there were $238 million of stand-by letters of credit and guarantees and $150 million of surety bonds outstanding.

Indemnifications

The company has retained certain environmental, income tax and other potential liabilities in connection with certain of its divestitures. The settlement of these liabilities is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2016, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows.

Operating Leases

Rental expense for operating leases was $91 million and $81 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These amounts are net of immaterial amounts of sublease rental income.

Credit Facility

The company maintains an unsecured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.6 billion (the “Credit Agreement”) that matures in July 2020. At March 31, 2016, the company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement and there was no balance outstanding.