What is CMMC and who needs to comply?

CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is a DoD requirement for all defense contractors that handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). CMMC compliance is mandatory with full enforcement expected by November 2026.

What is the difference between CMMC Level 1 and Level 2?

CMMC Level 1 covers 17 basic practices for contractors handling FCI. CMMC Level 2 covers 110 practices aligned with NIST SP 800-171 for contractors handling CUI. Level 2 requires a third-party C3PAO assessment.

How long does CMMC Level 2 certification take?

CMMC Level 2 certification typically takes 6 to 18 months. The process includes gap assessment (4-6 weeks), remediation (3-12 months), and C3PAO assessment scheduling (3-6 month wait times currently).

What is a C3PAO and why does it matter?

A C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization) is a DoD-approved firm authorized to conduct CMMC Level 2 assessments. C3PAO slots are booking 3-6 months in advance ahead of the 2026 deadline.

What happens if a defense contractor misses the CMMC deadline?

Defense contractors who have not achieved required CMMC certification will be ineligible to bid on or continue performing DoD contracts requiring that CMMC level. New contracts will include CMMC as mandatory contract clauses.

CMMC Compliance for Defense Contractors — Done Right, the First Time

The CMMC 2.0 Final Rule is active. C3PAO assessment slots are filling up. Defense contractors who haven’t started are already behind. We help prime contractors and their subs achieve CMMC Level 1, 2, and 3 — with the expertise of practitioners who’ve been inside the assessment process.

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Practitioner-Reviewed Content
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NIST SP 800-171 Coverage
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DFARS 252.204-7021 Analysis
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CMMC 2.0 Final Rule Resources
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Decision-Stage Guidance for Defense Contractors

Why Defense Contractors Choose CMMC First

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We’ve Been Inside the Assessment Room

Our team has direct experience on both sides of CMMC assessments. We don’t teach theory — we walk you through exactly what a C3PAO assessor will look for, control by control.

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Gap Analysis That Actually Closes Gaps

Most consultants give you a spreadsheet. We give you a remediation roadmap with prioritized actions, vendor recommendations, and implementation support from day one.

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Managed Compliance for Ongoing DIBs Requirements

CMMC isn’t a one-time certification — it’s an ongoing program. Our managed compliance service keeps your SPRS score current and your controls audit-ready between assessments.

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Built for Defense Contractors, Not Generic SMBs

We understand prime/sub flowdown, CUI handling requirements, DFARS obligations, and the nuances of enclave architecture. This isn’t a general cybersecurity shop.

By the Numbers

50+

Defense Contractors Assessed

From single-site subs to multi-location primes

2.0

CMMC Final Rule Ready

Compliant with December 2024 requirements

1–3

Level Full Spectrum Coverage

Self-attestation to C3PAO preparation

<6 Mo

Typical Time to Assessment-Ready

For companies starting from a moderate baseline

CMMC Intelligence — What Defense Contractors Need to Know

Practitioner-level guidance built from primary sources: DoD Final Rule, NIST SP 800-171, and CMMC-AB documentation.

CMMC Level 2

Understanding CMMC 2.0 Level 2: The 110 NIST 800-171 Controls Your Assessor Will Test

CMMC Level 2 requires compliance with all 110 practices from NIST SP 800-171. Here’s what each domain covers and which controls most frequently cause assessment failures.

SPRS Score

SPRS Score Explained: How to Calculate, Submit, and Maintain Your DoD Supplier Rating

The Supplier Performance Risk System score is how DoD contracting officers evaluate your cybersecurity posture before awarding contracts. Here’s how it’s calculated and what score you need.

C3PAO Assessment

What to Expect in a C3PAO Assessment: The Process, Timeline, and What Assessors Actually Test

A C3PAO assessment is a multi-day engagement. Assessors test your controls, review your documentation, and interview key personnel. Here’s exactly what the process looks like from kickoff to final report.

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Ready to Get CMMC Certified?

Start with a free 30-minute readiness assessment. Our practitioners will review your current security posture against your CMMC level requirement and give you a clear picture of your path to certification — no sales pitch, no obligation.

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30 minutes. Remote. Completely free. No obligation.