The document discusses the true costs and benefits of achieving CMMI Level 5. It notes that while CMMI aims to produce software and systems faster, better and cheaper, simply claiming a high maturity level does not guarantee success. For organizations and customers to realize the benefits, CMMI processes must be properly implemented across all projects from the start, and appraisals must accurately reflect the organization's capabilities. The use of Lean Six Sigma tools can help organizations institutionalize improvements and achieve quantifiable benefits from CMMI.