The paper presents a procedure for the estimation (point & interval) f
or a reliability model of the form Pr{X>Y} or Pr{X less than or equal
to Y} and Gaussian (normal) distributed variables. The procedures are
derived from a quantitative approach that allows the user to get suffi
cient evidence, concerning the product reliability, by testing a small
sample but at severe conditions, rather than testing a large sample a
t the nominal working conditions. Y has known parameters while X is a
Gaussian r.v. with an unknown mean and a known coefficient-of-variatio
n. The procedure is practical and cost effective when facing situation
s such as high test-cost, or severe contractual reliability requiremen
ts.