What does the term "Organization Seeking Assessment (OSA)" refer to?

The term "Organization Seeking Assessment (OSA)" specifically refers to the entity that is undergoing a self-assessment or seeking a certification assessment. This organization is actively pursuing the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) process to evaluate and potentially improve its cybersecurity practices. The core focus of the OSA is on identifying its current compliance level with CMMC standards and preparing for official assessments to achieve certification.

Understanding this term is crucial because it highlights the role of the organization in the certification process and emphasizes the importance of self-assessment as a precursor to formal evaluation. This process enables organizations to assess their current security posture, address vulnerabilities, and ensure they meet the necessary requirements before engaging with an official assessor.