The correct answer is To perform a comprehensive security assessment and risk evaluation prior to placing the system into production.

The initial authorization step exists to ensure that security controls have been implemented and tested and that residual risk is understood before the system is allowed to operate. This is why To perform a comprehensive security assessment and risk evaluation prior to placing the system into production is the right choice.

During initial authorization assessors evaluate control implementation and effectiveness and the authorizing official makes a formal risk decision so that the system does not enter production without an accepted security posture.

To grant a temporary approval for the system while identified issues are remediated is incorrect because that describes a provisional or conditional approval which may be used in limited cases after assessment but it is not the primary purpose of the initial authorization.

To assign risk acceptance responsibilities to junior staff members is incorrect because risk acceptance is usually the responsibility of a designated authorizing official or senior management and not the primary aim of the initial authorization process.

To establish continuous monitoring and ongoing authorization activities during operation is incorrect because continuous monitoring is an ongoing activity that follows initial authorization and supports maintaining the authorization rather than being the initial assessment and decision itself.

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