LLMResponse CM.L2-3.4.1.c

For assessment objective "[c] the baseline configuration is maintained (reviewed and updated) throughout the system development life cycle," I'll provide rankings and prioritization based on the CMMC Assessment Guide.

Priority of Assessment Approaches

For verifying that baseline configurations are maintained throughout the system development life cycle, I recommend prioritizing the assessment approaches as follows:

1. **Examine (highest priority)** - This approach should be primary because maintaining baselines requires documented evidence of reviews and updates over time. You need to see records that demonstrate ongoing maintenance activities.

2. **Interview (high priority)** - For this objective, interviews are particularly valuable as they can reveal the processes and cadence for maintaining baselines. Personnel can explain how updates are triggered by system changes and how reviews are conducted.

3. **Test (medium priority)** - Testing can verify that the maintenance processes are functioning as described and that current configurations align with the most recent baseline updates.

Ranking of Evidence Types

For this specific assessment objective, I would rank the evidence types as follows:

1. **Documents (highest value)** - Historical records showing baseline reviews and updates at various points in the system development life cycle provide the strongest evidence of maintenance over time. These include dated review records, change logs, and version histories.

2. **Artifacts (high value)** - Tangible records produced by the maintenance process, such as change tickets, approval records, and updated configuration files with version control.

3. **Screen Share (medium value)** - Observation of configuration management systems showing historical baseline versions and the processes for reviewing and updating them.

4. **Physical Review (lower value)** - While this might confirm current configurations match documentation, it's less effective for demonstrating the maintenance process over time.

Key Assessment Objects to Focus On

When collecting evidence for this assessment objective, prioritize these assessment objects:

- Change control records showing baseline updates over time - Inventory review and update records with timestamps - Configuration management plan sections describing maintenance processes - System component installation and removal records - Documentation of periodic baseline reviews - Version-controlled baseline configuration documents with revision histories

The key differentiator for this assessment objective is demonstrating the ongoing maintenance process throughout the system life cycle, not just a one-time establishment of a baseline. Your evidence should show a pattern of reviews and updates triggered by system changes, security considerations, or scheduled maintenance activities.