def less_than(val1, val2):
    """
    Simple function that returns True if val1 <= val2 and False otherwise.

    :param val1: first value of interest
    :param val2: second value of interest

    :return: bool: True if val1 <= val2 and False otherwise
    """
    if round(val1, 3) <= round(val2, 3):     # only care to the 3rd position after decimal point
        return True
    else:
        return False