The production of NIEs is a lengthy and delicate process. It goes through a series of channels before it is published to the policymakers. There are ten steps involved in the writing process of a National intelligence estimate. The first step involves a request by either a civilian, a senior military, a committee chair of the House or Senate, policymaker, Congressional leaders and at times are initiated by the National Intelligence Council. The director of the National Intelligence authorizes this type of request. The second step involves the production of TOR or terms of reference. The TOR outline the key issues, questions to be covered in the estimate and publication schedule (cfr.org.). Once the TOR is finalized, it is then circulated throughout
