Can inefficient POAM management affect an agency's C&A report card?

• A. Yes, it can negatively affect the report card
• B. No, it has no effect
• C. Only affects budget processes
• D. Only affects training schedules

Answer: (A)

Managing POAMs effectively is essential because the C&A report card measures how well an agency tracks, prioritizes, and closes security remediation actions identified during assessments. When POAM management is inefficient, remediation items remain open, milestones slip, and the agency’s response to weaknesses appears delayed or inadequate. This increases residual risk and signals weaker governance, which the C&A report card flags with a lower rating. In other words, timely and disciplined POAM execution is a direct indicator of security posture and accountability, driving a more favorable assessment.

It's not simply about budgets or training schedules—the C&A rating focuses on how effectively vulnerabilities and deficiencies are tracked and remediated. While those other areas may be related, they are not the primary drivers of the report card.