CMMC Compliance Consulting

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a Department of Defense framework that requires defense contractors to demonstrate cybersecurity practices before being awarded contracts. If your company handles Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) under DoD contracts, CMMC requirements may apply to your solicitations and contracts. Phase 1 rollout began November 10, 2025, with CMMC clauses appearing in applicable solicitations. A consultation with a CMMC Registered Practitioner can help determine whether and at what level CMMC applies to your organization.

Level 1 applies to contractors handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) and requires implementing 15 security controls from FAR 52.204-21. It is a self-assessment whose results are recorded in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS), accompanied by an affirmation from the organization's affirming official. Level 2 applies to contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and requires implementing 110 controls from NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2. Most Level 2 contractors will require a third-party assessment by a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). The level you need depends on the type of information you handle under your DoD contracts.

A readiness assessment is a pre-certification evaluation that identifies gaps between your current security posture and CMMC requirements. CSC's process includes scoping your environment (identifying where FCI or CUI resides), reviewing existing controls against the applicable CMMC level requirements, documenting gaps and prioritizing remediation, and preparing the evidence artifacts needed for your self-assessment or C3PAO audit. The goal is to ensure you can demonstrate compliance with confidence — not discover problems during the actual assessment.

A Registered Practitioner (RP) is credentialed by the Cyber AB to advise organizations on CMMC compliance readiness. An RP helps you prepare — gap analysis, evidence preparation, remediation guidance. A CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) is authorized to conduct official Level 2 certification assessments. CSC operates in the advisory role (RP), which means there is no conflict of interest between the team preparing you and the organization that will ultimately assess you.

Without the required CMMC level, your organization may be ineligible for DoD contract awards that include CMMC requirements. Phase 1 is already underway — CMMC clauses are appearing in applicable solicitations and contracts as of November 2025. Phase 2, expected to begin in late 2026, will add Level 2 C3PAO certification requirements for contracts involving CUI. Beyond contract eligibility, inaccurate self-assessment submissions carry potential False Claims Act risk, where liability depends on factors including materiality, intent, and specific contract terms. Starting readiness preparation now provides time to remediate gaps before requirements appear in your solicitations.