Level 2 · Media Protection
MP.L2-3.8.3
Media Disposal
Sanitization evidence should identify the media, the method, and completion before disposal or reuse.
Official reference
The requirement
Sanitize or destroy system media containing CUI before disposal or release for reuse.
DoD CMMC Assessment Guide, Level 2, version 2.13. MP.L2-3.8.3; requirement and objectives, printed page 161 ↗
Assessment objectives
What must be established
Determine if each applicable objective is satisfied. The labels below follow the cited DoD assessment guide.
- [a]
system media containing CUI is sanitized or destroyed before disposal; and
- [b]
system media containing CUI is sanitized before it is released for reuse.
MET requires evidence that all applicable objectives are satisfied. Final, approved evidence is needed. A NOT APPLICABLE determination needs a scope-based basis and is equivalent to MET for scoring. Enduring exceptions and temporary deficiencies have specific conditions under 32 CFR 170.24; they are not a general permission to defer implementation.
Included Level 1 coverage · FCI
MP.L1-b.1.vii: Media Disposal
FCI must be removed from system media before disposal or release for reuse.
Level 2 includes Level 1 safeguarding coverage. This is the FAR-based Level 1 assessment context mapped into the 110-requirement library, not an additional Level 2 requirement.
Sanitize or destroy information system media containing Federal Contract Information before disposal or release for reuse.
DoD CMMC Assessment Guide, Level 1: MP.L1-b.1.vii; requirement and objectives, printed page 27 ↗
Level 1 assessment objectives and guidance
Determine if:
- [a]
system media containing [FCI] is sanitized or destroyed before disposal; and
- [b]
system media containing [FCI] is sanitized before it is released for reuse.
Cover paper and digital media, including returned equipment and embedded storage. Keep enough disposition information to connect the completed sanitization or destruction to the media involved.
Examine
Review disposal procedures, media identifiers, sanitization records, and destruction documentation.
Interview
How is the method chosen for the media type, and who verifies completion before release?
Demonstrate or test
Trace a retired test asset through the disposal or reuse process without exposing real information.
Level 1 evidence gaps
- A generic destruction receipt cannot be reconciled to the media.
- Reuse occurs before sanitization.
Level 1 has no weighted deduction. All applicable requirements must be fully implemented; the self-assessment is MET or NOT MET in its entirety.
Level 1 does not permit a POA&M. CAP P.11 addresses Level 2 certification planning, not a mandatory on-site rule for Level 1 self-assessments. Choose evidence and observations adequate to evaluate the actual physical environment and applicable objectives.
- DoD CMMC Assessment Guide, Level 1 ↗MP.L1-b.1.vii; requirement and objectives, printed page 27
- 32 CFR 170.24: Assessment findings and scoring ↗170.24(b) and (c)(1)
- 32 CFR 170.21: POA&M eligibility and closeout ↗170.21(a)(1) and (b)
- FAR 52.204-21: Basic safeguarding ↗52.204-21(b)(1)(vii)
GAVII Cybersecurity assessment approach
Connect the objective to the evidence
Include paper, removable drives, embedded storage, and returned equipment. A generic destruction certificate is weaker than a record that can be reconciled to the organization's media inventory.
Assessment focus: objectives [a], [b]. Use the methods together; a single example does not establish every objective.
Examine
Review sanitization procedures, media identifiers, completed records, and supplier destruction documentation.
Interview
How is the sanitization method selected for each media type, and how do you verify completion?
Demonstrate or test
Trace a retired test asset through the documented process to its final disposition without recovering or displaying sensitive data.
Evidence gaps to look for
- A certificate cannot be tied to specific media.
- Reuse occurs before sanitization is verified.
GAVII Cybersecurity’s examples illustrate ways to examine, interview, and test. They are not a mandatory artifact list or a guarantee of an assessment result. Combine methods and address every applicable objective in the actual scope.
Assessment constraints
Scoring and POA&M eligibility
Score: 5
If this requirement is NOT MET, deduct 5 points from the Level 2 maximum of 110. The deduction applies to the requirement, not separately to each objective.
Scoring rule ↗POA&M: Not eligible
This requirement has a deduction greater than 1 point and does not qualify for the limited encryption exception. It cannot be deferred on the POA&M used for Conditional Level 2 status.
POA&M rule ↗Conditional Level 2 requires a score of at least 88 out of 110 and satisfaction of every eligibility condition. A 1-point requirement is not automatically eligible. The permitted POA&M must be closed through the appropriate closeout assessment within 180 days of the Conditional CMMC Status Date. An operational remediation plan does not confer Conditional Status.
Assessment planning
Location and observation
Not specifically listed in CAP P.11
This requirement is not specifically listed in CAP P.11. That does not establish that remote assessment is sufficient: the Lead CCA and C3PAO determine an adequate approach for the actual scope and evidence.
CAP §P.11, pages 10–11 ↗Check the source
References and related requirements
- DoD CMMC Assessment Guide, Level 2 ↗MP.L2-3.8.3; requirement and objectives, printed page 161. 2.13, September 2024.
- 32 CFR 170.24: Assessment findings and scoring ↗170.24(b) and (c)(2). Current electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
- 32 CFR 170.21: POA&M eligibility and closeout ↗170.21(a)(2) and (b). Current electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
- NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 ↗Requirement 3.8.3. February 2020, updated January 2021.
- NIST SP 800-171A ↗Assessment procedure 3.8.3. June 2018.
- Cyber AB CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) ↗P.11, printed pages 10-11; Level 2 certification assessment-location planning. 2.0, December 2024.
Program timing and contract applicability can change independently of these requirements. Check current DoD program notices and your solicitation or contract before making a compliance decision. Open the official DoD resource hub.