Compliance Framework

CMMC

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification - The DoD Mandatory Cybersecurity Standard for Defense Contractors

CMMC is the Department of Defense unified cybersecurity standard for defense contractors. Unlike previous self-attestation models, CMMC requires certification by independent third-party assessment organizations (C3PAOs). The program has evolved through multiple versions, with CMMC 2.0 streamlining the original five levels into three: Level 1 (Foundational), Level 2 (Advanced), and Level 3 (Expert). CMMC is mandatory for all DoD contractors and subcontractors, with requirements flowing down through prime contracts. Non-compliance means ineligibility for DoD contracts, making CMMC the single most important compliance requirement for defense contractors across Northern Virginia and the nation.

Prepare for CMMC Certification Free Assessment
Compliance
Expert guidance for
CMMC
(703) 755-0014 Response within 30 min
500+ Businesses Protected Based in Reston, VA 24/7/365 Operations NDA Upon Request
Key Requirements

CMMC Requirements

What you need to know about CMMC compliance. Need help getting started?

CMMC Level 1: 17 basic security requirements aligned with FAR Clause 52.204-21 for protection of Federal Contract Information
CMMC Level 2: 110 security requirements from NIST SP 800-171 plus maturity process requirements for documentation and repeatability
CMMC Level 3: 110+ security requirements extending NIST SP 800-171 with additional controls from NIST SP 800-172 for Advanced Persistent Threat protection
Third-party assessment by a C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization) for Levels 2 and 3 certification
Demonstration of mature cybersecurity processes including planning, documentation, implementation, and continuous improvement
Implementation of all applicable NIST SP 800-171 controls across 14 families including access control, audit, awareness, and incident response
Maintenance of a current System Security Plan (SSP), Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), and all supporting evidence documentation
Annual affirmation of continued compliance with self-assessment for Level 1, triennial recertification for Level 2 and 3
Free Assessment

Not Sure Which Framework Applies?

We will evaluate your business, identify all applicable compliance frameworks, and tell you exactly what is required with no commitment. Just actionable advice from real practitioners who have guided 100+ organizations through audits.

  • 30-minute strategy call with a compliance expert
  • Custom compliance roadmap for your business size and industry
  • No sales pitch. Just honest advice from real practitioners.

Related frameworks: HITRUST CSF · SOC 2 · FedRAMP · ISO 27001

No spam. We respond within 24 hours.

Why It Matters

Key Benefits

Why CMMC compliance matters for your business and how it protects your operations, customers, and growth.

Maintain eligibility for DoD contracts and subcontracts. CMMC certification is a mandatory requirement for all organizations bidding on or performing work under DoD contracts that handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Without certification, you cannot compete.

Achieve certification at the right level for your contract requirements. CMMC Level 1 requires basic protection of FCI. Level 2 aligns with NIST SP 800-171 and is required for organizations handling CUI. Level 3 adds advanced controls from NIST SP 800-172 for the most sensitive programs.

Build a defense-grade cybersecurity program that protects against APTs and nation-state threats. The CMMC certification process forces deep security improvements that protect against sophisticated adversaries targeting the defense industrial base.

Differentiate your business from competitors who are not yet certified. As CMMC requirements roll out, certified organizations will have a significant competitive advantage. Early certification positions you as a trusted, compliant partner for primes and the DoD.

Prepare for CMMC Certification
Who It's For

Who Needs CMMC?

Any organization that handles Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) for the U.S. Department of Defense needs CMMC certification. This includes prime contractors, subcontractors of all tiers, and subcontractors to primes that flow down CMMC requirements. Defense manufacturing, IT services for defense, engineering services, consulting, logistics, and any business with a DoD contract value above the micro-purchase threshold should expect CMMC requirements. Small businesses and solo contractors are not exempt.

How We Help

Our Approach to CMMC

We guide you through the entire compliance lifecycle. From gap analysis to audit support, we make compliance manageable.

01

CMMC readiness assessment to determine your current maturity level against the required CMMC target level. We conduct a preliminary gap assessment aligned with the CMMC Assessment Guide and deliver a prioritized remediation plan with estimated costs and timelines.

02

NIST SP 800-171 control implementation and System Security Plan development. Since CMMC Level 2 is built on NIST 800-171, we implement all 110 controls, document your SSP, and establish your POA&M with a realistic path to full compliance.

03

Pre-assessment readiness review and mock assessment. Before you engage a C3PAO, we conduct a thorough readiness review that simulates the actual certification assessment, identifying gaps and preparing your team for the certification process.

04

C3PAO selection and certification assessment support. We help you select the right assessment organization, prepare evidence packages, and support your team throughout the assessment. Our goal is a clean first-attempt certification with minimal findings.

Prepare for CMMC Certification
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

When does CMMC certification become mandatory?
CMMC requirements are being phased into DoD contracts through the rulemaking process. The CMMC final rule (32 CFR part 170) was published in October 2023. Certification requirements are being included in new solicitations and contracts as the rule takes effect. By 2026-2027, CMMC certification is expected to be required for virtually all DoD contracts involving FCI or CUI.
What is the difference between CMMC Level 1, 2, and 3?
Level 1 (Foundational) requires 17 basic security practices for contractors handling FCI only. Level 2 (Advanced) requires 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls for organizations handling CUI, with assessment by a C3PAO. Level 3 (Expert) adds controls from NIST SP 800-172 for organizations handling CUI in high-risk environments with advanced threat protection requirements.
Can we self-assess instead of using a C3PAO?
Self-assessment is only permitted for select organizations at Level 1 and select Level 2 organizations under limited circumstances (primarily for projects with less critical CUI). Full Level 2 and all Level 3 certifications require assessment by an accredited C3PAO. Most DoD contractors should plan for C3PAO assessment.
How long does it take to achieve CMMC Level 2 certification?
Most organizations need 6-12 months to achieve CMMC Level 2 from start to certification. This includes a gap assessment, implementation of all 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls, SSP development, internal readiness review, and scheduling the C3PAO assessment. Organizations with existing NIST 800-171 compliance can often certify in 3-6 months.

Still have questions? We are ready to help.

Get Your Free Assessment (703) 755-0014

Related Frameworks

Explore other compliance frameworks we support.

HITRUST CSF

Health Information Trust Alliance Common Security Framework - The Most Comprehensive Healthcare Security Certification...

SOC 2

System and Organization Controls 2 - The Gold Standard for SaaS and Technology Companies...

FedRAMP

Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program - The Standardized Security Assessment for Cloud Services Used by Fede...

ISO 27001

International Information Security Management Standard - The Global Benchmark for Information Security Management System...

Ready for CMMC Compliance?

Get a free assessment and consultation. Our Reston-based team will scope the right compliance program for your business. No commitment. No pressure.

Prepare for CMMC Certification (703) 755-0014
Call Get Free Assessment