Understanding the Role of the DoD CIO Office in CMMCTheDepartment of Defense (DoD) Chief Information Officer (CIO) officeis theprimary authorityresponsible for leading the direction, standards, and best practices of theCybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)framework.

The DoD CIO Oversees CMMC Policy and Implementation

TheDoD CIO Office is responsible for the governance and strategic direction of CMMC.

It ensures thatCMMC aligns with DoD cybersecurity policies, such asDoD Instruction 5200.48 (Controlled Unclassified Information)andNIST SP 800-171.

CMMC Development and Evolution

TheDoD CIO played a critical role in launching CMMCto improve cybersecurity across theDefense Industrial Base (DIB).

The CIO office leadspolicy development and updates to the CMMC framework, including the transition fromCMMC 1.0 to CMMC 2.0.

Alignment of CMMC with Federal Cybersecurity Strategy

The DoD CIO ensures that CMMCintegrates with federal cybersecurity policiesandNIST frameworks.

It provides oversight formapping CMMC Levels (1-2-3) to existing cybersecurity standards and controls.

A. NIST (Incorrect)

TheNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)provides thetechnical framework (NIST SP 800-171, SP 800-172), butNIST does not lead the CMMC program.

C. Federal CIO Office (Incorrect)

TheFederal CIO focuses on broader government IT policiesandnot specifically on DoD cybersecurity requirementslike CMMC.

D. Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Council (Incorrect)

TheDFARS Counciloverseescontracting regulationsrelated to CMMC (e.g.,DFARS 252.204-7012, 7019, 7020, 7021), but it doesnot lead CMMC standards and best practices.

The correct answer isB. DoD CIO Office, as it isthe lead authority guiding the CMMC framework, standards, and implementation across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).