What is a fundamental requirement for a CMMC Level 2 certification assessment to proceed?

A valid Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code is essential for a CMMC Level 2 certification assessment to proceed because it serves as a unique identifier for businesses dealing with the federal government and the Department of Defense (DoD). The CAGE Code helps ensure that the organization is recognized in government systems and that it has met certain regulatory and compliance requirements. Having this code indicates that the organization is authorized to conduct business with government entities, and it validates the company's eligibility for participation in federally funded activities.

While other factors such as budget approvals, training completion, and professional memberships can be beneficial for the assessment process, they are not fundamental prerequisites for the certification assessment itself. The presence of a CAGE Code signifies that the entity has taken the necessary steps to be a legitimate player in the government contracting landscape, which is crucial for the CMMC assessment to be valid and recognized.