What is the role of a Security Control Assessment (SCA) in RMF?

• A. To evaluate the effectiveness of security controls and determine their operational status.
• B. To write system code during development.
• C. To manage physical access to facilities.
• D. To configure firewall rules.

Answer: (A)

In RMF, the Security Control Assessment is about verifying that the security controls chosen for a system actually work as intended. Assessors test and review evidence to determine how effectively each control is implemented and whether it remains operational over time. This assessment informs whether the system meets its security requirements and helps the Authorizing Official decide if risk is acceptable or if remediation is needed. The other activities—writing code, managing physical access, or configuring firewall rules—are specific implementation tasks, not the assessment of whether controls are functioning properly.