Because there is such a demand for MDSAP certifications, from my experience with trying to find an alternate AO, from what was mentioned in a MDSAP webinar that I attended, and from Canada's notice that they posted stating that they realize companies are having difficulty scheduling MDSAP audits; most AOs are not taking in new clients and instead are trying to service the customers that they currently have. This delay in scheduling MDSAP audits seems very common with all AOs - which leads to frustration for everyone. So if you were to get accepted as a new customer with another AO, unless they tell you upfront that they can schedule you on a certain date, expect a delay with them as well.