* TheU.S. Department of Defense (DoD)is the entity thatrequiresorganizations handlingFederal Contract Information (FCI)orControlled Unclassified Information (CUI)to undergo an assessment to determine their required level ofcybersecurity maturityunderCMMC 2.0.
* This requirement stems from theDFARS 252.204-7021 clause, which mandates CMMC certification for contractors handling FCI or CUI.
Reference:
DoD CMMC 2.0 Program Overview
DFARS 252.204-7021 (CMMC Requirements)
Step 2: DoD's Cybersecurity Maturity LevelsTheDoD determinestherequired cybersecurity maturity levelfor a contract based on the sensitivity of the information involved:
CMMC Level 1- Required for organizations handlingFCI(Basic Cyber Hygiene).
CMMC Level 2- Required for organizations handlingCUI(Aligned with NIST SP 800-171).
CMMC Level 3- Required for organizations handlinghigh-value CUIand facingAdvanced Persistent Threats (APT)(Aligned with a subset ofNIST SP 800-172).
Reference:
CMMC 2.0 Model Documentation
NIST SP 800-171 & 800-172for security controls
Step 3: Why Other Answer Choices Are IncorrectB. CISA (Incorrect):
TheCybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)is responsible fornational cybersecuritybut does not mandate CMMC assessments.
C: NIST (Incorrect):
TheNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)provides the security framework (e.g.,NIST SP
800-171) but does not enforce CMMC compliance.
D: CMMC-AB (Incorrect):
TheCyber AB (formerly CMMC-AB)is responsible for accreditingC3PAOsand overseeing theCMMC ecosystem, but it does not determine which organizations require assessments.
Final Confirmation of Correct Answer:The DoD mandates CMMC compliance for organizations handling FCI or CUI.
CMMC requirements are enforced through DFARS clauses in DoD contracts.
Thus, the correct answer is:A. DoD