Federal Contracting Acronym
RMF
Risk Management Framework
Plain-English definition
Risk Management Framework (RMF) is a core federal acquisition term used in regulations, solicitations, and contract administration. Cybersecurity and information-protection terms appear in DFARS clauses, authorization packages, and supplier performance assessments. Contractors map controls, evidence, and reporting to customer requirements.
Why it matters
ATO paths depend on SSP, assessment results, and POA&M closure for federal IT contracts.
Where you will see it
Agency CIO security packages, FedRAMP boundaries, and cybersecurity proposal volumes.
Example in context
When reviewing a solicitation, a contractor confirms how RMF is used in the notice, whether related clauses apply, and which internal subject-matter experts should validate the response.