CMMC readiness · NIST 800-171 alignment · DFARS support Mon–Fri · 0800–1800 ET
Controls / Security Assessment / 3.12.2
3.12.2
CA.L2-3.12.2 · Level 2

Develop and implement plans of action designed to correct deficiencies and reduce or eliminate…

NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 · §3.12.2

Develop and implement plans of action designed to correct deficiencies and reduce or eliminate vulnerabilities in organizational systems

Assessment objectives

From NIST SP 800-171A · 3 objectives must be met to satisfy this control
3.12.2[a] deficiencies and vulnerabilities to be addressed by the plan of action are identified.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Security assessment and authorization policy; procedures addressing plan of action; security plan; security assessment plan; security assessment report; security assessment evidence; plan of action; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel with plan of action development and implementation responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Mechanisms for developing, implementing, and maintaining plan of action].
3.12.2[b] a plan of action is developed to correct identified deficiencies and reduce or eliminate identified vulnerabilities.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Security assessment and authorization policy; procedures addressing plan of action; security plan; security assessment plan; security assessment report; security assessment evidence; plan of action; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel with plan of action development and implementation responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Mechanisms for developing, implementing, and maintaining plan of action].
3.12.2[c] the plan of action is implemented to correct identified deficiencies and reduce or eliminate identified vulnerabilities.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Security assessment and authorization policy; procedures addressing plan of action; security plan; security assessment plan; security assessment report; security assessment evidence; plan of action; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel with plan of action development and implementation responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Mechanisms for developing, implementing, and maintaining plan of action].

What we look for in practice

The following are placeholder notes that should be refined based on practice experience.

What assessors look for in practice. Documented evidence that this control is implemented across all CUI-handling systems within scope. Specific artifacts vary, but expect requests for written procedures, system configurations, and operational records demonstrating the control is active.

Common failure patterns. Typical issues include incomplete documentation, inconsistent implementation across systems, and missing periodic review records. Refine this section as your practice accumulates direct assessment experience.

Strong evidence looks like. Formal policy referencing this control, technical configurations demonstrating enforcement, periodic review logs with sign-off, and procedures for handling exceptions.

Scoring and POA&M context. 3-point control under the DoD Assessment Methodology. Meaningful but more contained scoring impact. Not POA&M-eligible — must be implemented at assessment time.