Who initiates the certification engagement for a CMMC assessment?

The Organization Seeking Certification (OSC) initiates the certification engagement for a CMMC assessment. This process begins when the OSC decides that it wants to achieve certification to demonstrate its compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements. By initiating this engagement, the OSC expresses its commitment to enhancing its cybersecurity practices and prepares for a formal assessment against the established CMMC framework.

This initiation is pivotal as it sets the stage for the assessment process, including the selection of an appropriate assessment team and defining the scope of the assessment. The OSC has the responsibility to ensure that all necessary documentation and evidence of compliance are prepared and submitted for review, facilitating a productive and effective evaluation of their cybersecurity posture against the CMMC standards.