Which of the following best describes a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO)?

A CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) is best described as an independent entity that verifies cybersecurity controls. The role of a C3PAO is to conduct assessments to determine whether a contractor meets the requirements of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This independent verification is crucial as it ensures objectivity and impartiality in the assessment process.

C3PAOs are specifically designated to evaluate compliance against the CMMC framework, which includes various levels of cybersecurity maturity applicable to contractors working with the Department of Defense (DoD). This independent status helps build trust in the assessment outcomes, as it eliminates any potential conflicts of interest that might arise from internal assessments conducted by an organization's own personnel.

In contrast, a non-profit organization that offers training does not fulfill the primary purpose of verifying cybersecurity controls. Likewise, a governmental regulatory agency does not conduct assessments but may establish regulations and standards that C3PAOs must adhere to. An internal team managing security policies focuses on maintaining an organization's cybersecurity posture rather than providing an objective assessment. Thus, the distinct role of a C3PAO as an independent verifier clearly highlights why the second choice is the most accurate description.