XYZ Co. hires a financial consultant to help evaluate whether or not to launch a new line of perfumed shark attractants. The consultant charges a fee of $10,000, half of which must be paid up-front...

XYZ Co. hires a financial consultant to help evaluate whether or not to launch a new line of perfumed shark attractants. The consultant charges a fee of $10,000, half of which must be paid up-front and half to be paid when the project evaluation is completed. The consultant’s fees can be considered a/an _______ of the project.