Getting Started
This topic contains questions and answers about what to do to get started with CMMI adoption.
Contents:
- Where do I get the most recent CMMI information?
- How do I get started with CMMI?
- How does my organization receive CMMI certification?
- Does the SEI certify levels?
- Which organizations have achieved a CMMI maturity level?
- Does the government use maturity levels in making acquisition decisions?
Where do I get the most recent CMMI information?
The most complete and up-to-date source of information about CMMI products, publications, and more is the CMMI Web site, which is located at http://www.sei.cmu.edu/cmmi/.
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How do I get started with CMMI?
A good first step is to visit the SEI Web site to gather information about CMMI and to review your organization's current processes. Attend CMMI training and decide when you are ready for a SCAMPI appraisal. Details about getting started with CMMI are available at http://www.sei.cmu.edu/cmmi/adoption/cmmi-start.html.
return to topHow does my organization receive CMMI certification?
The SEI does not certify the results of any appraisal nor is there an official accreditation body for CMMI. True certification of appraisal results would involve the ongoing monitoring of organizations' capabilities, a shelf life for appraisal results, and other administrative elements.
The SEI does not have a defined requirement for periodic follow-up after appraisals, nor does it accept legal responsibility for the performance of appraised organizations. All of these characteristics are required for a program that would provide certification of appraisal results.
The SEI urges customers to request a copy of an Appraisal Disclosure Statement (ADS) when evaluating suppliers. The ADS not only documents the achieved maturity level or capability level profile but also documents which parts of the organization were appraised.
Organizations can report their CMMI-based achievements to the SEI to be published on the List of Published SCAMPI Appraisal Results Web page. See that page for more information.
For more information on appraisal methods and for a directory of authorized appraisers who can perform them, see the SEI Appraisal Program Web page at http://www.sei.cmu.edu/appraisal-program/index.html.
return to topDoes the SEI certify levels?
No. The SEI collects appraisal data provided by organizations that have had a valid appraisal conducted by an SEI-authorized Lead Appraiser. The SEI reports this information in aggregate form in maturity profiles at http://www.sei.cmu.edu/appraisal-program/profile/profile.html.
The SEI protects the confidentiality of each organization's appraisal data and will not, without permission, identify an organization and its maturity level achievement. The SEI will not confirm or deny that a particular organization has had an appraisal. If an organization chooses to discuss its appraisal results in a public forum or publish such results, the SEI may refer to such presentations or publications since it is then public knowledge. Appraisal results belong to the appraisal sponsor within the organization that is appraised.
The SEI will, if requested, publish appraisal results of individual organizations on the Published CMMI Appraisal Results Web page.
return to topWhich organizations have achieved a CMMI maturity level?
The SEI does not publish the names of specific individuals, organizations, or projects without permission from the appraisal sponsor.
The SEI maintains a public database of Published SCAMPI Appraisal Results at http://sas.sei.cmu.edu/pars/. Once an appraisal has passed quality checkpoints, an authorization form is sent to the Lead Appraiser. When an organization wishes its appraisal results to be published on the SEI Web site, the appraisal sponsor must authorize it by signing and returning the authorization form. Once this form is received the appraisal detail will be displayed.
Appraisal information reported to the SEI is treated as proprietary and confidential. An appraisal's results are owned by the appraisal sponsor (usually a person within the organization that was appraised). The sponsor may publicize this information at his or her discretion.
If the organization prefers to formalize the confidentiality of the appraisal being reported to the SEI, the Lead Appraiser can use the Non-Disclosure Letter and the SEI Non-Disclosure Agreement.
return to topDoes the government use maturity levels in making acquisition decisions?
Some government organizations consider maturity level ratings when making their acquisition decisions. Some of these organizations accept the results of appraisals conducted by the organization being evaluated for a contract. Other organizations request government-run evaluations.
return to topIf you have a question that is not answered within this FAQ, check the CMMI FAQ Main Page or send email to an SEI person at cmmi-comments@sei.cmu.edu. You will receive a response within 48 hours.