Framework Evidence Handoff (Handoff)

Framework Evidence Handoff (Handoff)

1. 01

   Freeze the client's control matrix in a shared document before any platform migration

   Export the current control list, framework version, and evidence owner from whichever system holds it today (Vanta, Drata, or a spreadsheet). The receiving team signs off on the frozen list so nothing silently drops during transfer.

2. 02

   Map every control to a named evidence source and a named human owner

   A control without an owner becomes an audit finding. Record the integration or manual upload that produces the evidence, the person accountable, and the review cadence in one row per control.

3. 03

   Reconcile framework scope against the client's actual contract obligations

   Confirm which frameworks the client is being asked to prove (SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, HIPAA) and which are aspirational. Handing off scope the client never agreed to buy creates retainer disputes in month two.

4. 04

   Run a 30-day evidence backfill and log every gap with a remediation date

   Pull historical evidence for the lookback window the auditor will test. Gaps get a date and an owner, not a note saying 'in progress'.

5. 05

   Transfer integration credentials through a documented access handoff, not a shared inbox

   Rotate API keys for cloud, identity, and code repositories as part of the handoff. Record who holds admin rights on the compliance platform itself, since that account can alter control status.

6. 06

   Walk the receiving delivery lead through one full audit cycle end to end

   Shadow a live evidence pull, a policy update, and an auditor request. The handoff is complete when the new owner can answer an auditor question without escalating.

7. 07

   Set a 90-day framework portability review on the calendar

   Document how controls, evidence, and reports would export if the client switched platforms. Vendor concentration is a real risk: platform churn and pricing shifts are a standing pattern across AI-adjacent tooling.