FCI
FCI is non-public information provided by or generated for the Government under a contract and requires baseline protection.
Working Definition
Federal Contract Information generated for or provided by the U.S. Government.
Why This Term Matters
FCI appears frequently in buyer requests, contract language, and assessment prep work. Teams should align on a consistent internal definition so scope decisions, artifact quality, and remediation priorities remain stable across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Operational Use in CMMC Programs
When teams reference FCI, they should also document:
- Which systems and workflows are affected
- Which control outcomes are impacted
- Which evidence artifacts demonstrate implementation
- Which owner approves updates or exceptions
Common Misunderstandings
Many organizations treat terminology as theoretical rather than operational. In practice, terms like FCI affect architecture, workflows, training, and reporting cadence. Clarifying definitions early reduces rework later in the readiness cycle.