A recent update to the DoD CMMC website’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page revealed a new layer to the CMMC accreditation process: The CAICO. The CAICO, or CMMC Assessors and Instructors Certification Organization, will serve as the administrative body for individuals seeking to assess organizations for CMMC compliance, and those individuals seeking to become instructors. Logically, this would leave the CMMC- AB with the task of approving organizations intending to become a C3PAO. This segregation of duties is a new development to the ever-changing landscape of CMMC administration. Just last year, the CMMC-AB certified the first batch of CMMC assessors and continues to certify Registered Practitioners. Moving forward, it seems that this duty will be owned by the CAICO, though it is unclear.
The change to the FAQ section without an accompanying statement for clarity by the CMMC-AB is sure to create more questions for the DIB, particularly individuals hoping to be certified assessors and instructors. With another CMMC Town Hall scheduled for 26 January, the CMMC-AB will hopefully shed more light and provide instruction to the many individuals who have paid fees to become assessors and instructors.
