MA.L2-3.7.1 · Level 2

Perform maintenance on organizational systems.

NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 · §3.7.1

Assessment objectives

From NIST SP 800-171A · 1 objective must be met to satisfy this control

3.7.1[a] Perform maintenance on organizational systems.

Examine

[SELECT FROM: System maintenance policy; procedures addressing controlled system maintenance; maintenance records; manufacturer or vendor maintenance specifications; equipment sanitization records; media sanitization records; security plan; other relevant documents or records].

Interview

[select from: Personnel with system maintenance responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities; personnel responsible for media sanitization; system or network administrators].

Test

[SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for scheduling, performing, documenting, reviewing, approving, and monitoring maintenance and repairs for systems; organizational processes for sanitizing system components; mechanisms supporting or implementing controlled maintenance; mechanisms implementing sanitization of system components].

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.