Assessment that takes place at the beginning of a process, used to determine the level of ability or preparedness for a current task, challenge, activity, or performance

Preassessment is the first phase in the natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) process by which trustees determine if they have jurisdiction to pursue restoration under OPA and, if so, whether it is appropriate to do so. Some data collection and analyses occurs during preassessment, including the collection of ephemeral data. Preassessment activities are generally paid out of the Emergency Fund of the OSLTF.