A server is used to store FCI with a cloud provider long-term.

Assets that store, process, or transmit FCI or CUI are always in scope for CMMC. If a server with a cloud provider is used for long-term storage of FCI, that server is considered in scope because it directly holds covered data.

Supporting Extracts from Official Content:

CMMC Scoping Guide for Level 1: “Assets that store, process, or transmit FCI are in scope.”

CMMC Scoping Guide for Level 2: confirms the same rule applies for CUI.

Why Option A is Correct:

The server stores FCI, making it automatically in scope.

Option B is incorrect because long-term storage does not make an asset out of scope.

Option C is incorrect — Level 1 (FCI) does not require a Level 2 certified provider.

Option D is incorrect because encryption does not remove scope requirements.

References (Official CMMC v2.0 Content):

CMMC Scoping Guide, Level 1.

CMMC Model v2.0, Scoping and Implementation guidance.

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