Now that Phase 1 of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) rollout is fully operational, defense industrial base (DIB) contractors face an immediate regulatory timeline. The implementation of the Department of Defense (DoD) final rule has shifted cybersecurity from an internal checklist to an enforceable contractual requirement.  

The next major milestone arrives on November 10, 2026, with the launch of Phase 2. This phase introduces mandatory third-party assessments for the majority of contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).  

For organizations operating in the defense supply chain, achieving CMMC Level 2 compliance is no longer a forward-looking goal, it is a critical requirement for maintaining contract eligibility and protecting enterprise revenue.

This comprehensive guide delivers a practical CMMC Level 2 checklist, maps out the framework's core data boundaries, and outlines precisely how to get CMMC Level 2 certification ahead of upcoming DoD solicitation deadlines.

What is CMMC Level 2?

CMMC is the DoD’s unified framework designed to standardize cybersecurity practices across its supply chain. While Level 1 establishes baseline hygiene for basic contract data, CMMC Level 2 focuses heavily on protecting sensitive, unclassified technical data.

"CMMC applies to anyone who's working with the Department of Defense and also processes, transmits, or stores controlled unclassified information. If you're processing that information and you're also working on direct contracts with the Department of Defense, or if you're one of their subcontractors, that means CMMC applies to you." — Metin Kortak, CISO at Rhymetec

The framework includes contractors, manufacturers, SaaS vendors, and cloud service providers that interface with DoD data either directly or indirectly. Compared to the original CMMC 1.0 blueprint, which featured a convoluted five-tier architecture and distinct, framework-only controls, CMMC 2.0 streamlines the process. By eliminating legacy redundancy, Level 2 maps directly to the 110 security practices established in the National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication (NIST SP 800-171).

This harmonization significantly reduces friction for organizations that must simultaneously align with other rigorous federal standards, such as FedRAMP. For a complete blueprint of how these standards interact across the entire defense supply chain, explore our full CMMC compliance guide.

CMMC Levels

Scoping Your Environment & The Gap Assessment

Achieving CMMC Level 2 compliance requires absolute clarity regarding your data boundaries and current technical gaps. Before implementing a single control, your team must execute a precise scoping exercise and a rigorous gap assessment.

1. Identify Your Data Assets (FCI vs. CUI)

Your data footprints dictate your compliance obligations. The framework separates data into two primary categories:

2. Conduct a Gap Assessment

Once you confirm that your systems process, store, or transmit CUI, you must test your infrastructure against the explicit CMMC Level 2 requirements.

"At Rhymetec, we always start with a gap assessment. A gap assessment against the NIST 800-171 controls is a must-have…It helps you determine if you have any missing controls or if you have any gaps in your compliance, so you can start putting together a roadmap for completing the remaining controls." — Metin Kortak, CISO at Rhymetec

The gap assessment compares your current state against the required 110 controls, identifying technical or procedural deficiencies. During this phase, a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) serves as your primary remediation tracker.

Under current CMMC guidelines, you can achieve a "Conditional Pass" with a minimum scoring threshold of 88 out of 110 points, provided no critical, high-weighted controls are deficient. However, any remaining gaps documented in your POA&M must be fully closed and verified by an assessor within 180 days.

The Definitive CMMC Level 2 Checklist

To streamline your preparation, Rhymetec compliance experts have categorized the mandatory CMMC Level 2 requirements into three distinct operational phases: Documentation, Technical Implementation, and Third-Party Verification.

1. Documentation and Pre-Audit Assessment

2. Core Implementation Across the 14 Security Domains

The 110 controls span 14 specialized security families. Your technical architecture must robustly fulfill each domain:

3. Third-Party Certification 

"C3PAOs come in and assess you against the requirements, depending on the level that you're at. Our goal is to validate that the sensitive data is actually being protected, because looking historically at just relying on self-attestations to 800-171 for anybody within the supply chain has not been sufficient." — Matt Bruggeman, A-LIGN

CMMC Level 2 checklist

Navigating the CMMC Level 2 Compliance Timeline

Building an audit-ready security program requires dedicated time and resource coordination. For an organization implementing the controls from a baseline posture, a typical compliance roadmap spans 6+ months.

Organizations with pre-existing NIST SP 800-171 alignment may move faster, but the looming Phase 2 enforcement rollout means scheduling bottlenecks are increasing across the defense industrial base. 

  1. Gap Assessment and Planning (Months 1–2): Define the exact boundaries of your CUI environment, map data flows, conduct your initial gap assessment, and submit your initial baseline score to SPRS.
  2. Control Implementation (Months 3–4): Remediate infrastructure vulnerabilities. This includes deploying technical controls like centralized logging (SIEM), advanced endpoint detection, FIPS-compliant encryption, and updating corporate policy documentation.
  3. Internal Validation (1 Month): Perform comprehensive internal testing, execute vulnerability scans, finalize your SSP, and gather your audit artifacts.
  4. C3PAO Audit Execution (1 Month): Undergo the formal independent assessment, including technical verification, staff interviews, and final scoring submission to the DoD database.

Note: C3PAO lead times can stretch for several months due to high demand ahead of the Phase 2 implementation. Securing an assessment window early in your readiness phase is critical to avoiding contract disruption.

CMMC Level 2 Timeline

Strategic Advantages of an Experienced Partner

The technical and documentation requirements of Level 2 are resource-intensive. Attempting to interpret the 320 underlying evaluation objectives within NIST SP 800-171 without specialized compliance expertise can result in misconfigured controls and delayed contract awards.

Engaging a Virtual CISO (vCISO) resolves this complexity. A vCISO functions as an extension of your team, translating dense regulatory clauses into structured engineering milestones. At Rhymetec, our vCISO experts manage the heavy lift of your compliance journey, from executing your initial gap assessment and deploying required technical safeguards to orchestrating your complete SSP documentation.

Ready to Speak to a CMMC Consultant?

At Rhymetec, we deliver the clarity, documentation, and technical expertise needed for successful compliance. With a decade of trusted delivery and a 100% in-house team, we support you through every stage of your CMMC readiness journey.

As an approved Registered Provider Organization (RPO), we work hand-in-hand with industry-leading, accredited C3PAOs to streamline your validation process. We handle the consulting, remediation, and evidence compilation, ensuring you are fully prepared when your formal third-party audit begins.

Contact us today to speak with one of our compliance experts.

Breaches that used stolen or compromised credentials are among the most complex to resolve, taking an average of 88 days. This represents a critical vulnerability impacting everything from the efficacy of your cybersecurity program to compliance audits, federal contracts, and overall revenue.

For federal contractors handling Federal Contract Information (FCI), achieving CMMC Level 1 compliance directly addresses these risks. Since the CMMC Level 1 requirements officially became mandatory on November 10, 2025, defense industrial base (DIB) contractors must prioritize basic cyber hygiene to safeguard sensitive data and preserve their eligibility for Department of Defense (DoD) contracts.

In this blog, we provide a definitive CMMC Level 1 checklist to walk you through the core requirements and clarify how to get CMMC Level 1 certification readiness through structured annual self-attestation.

Who Does CMMC Level 1 Apply To?

Government contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in the federal supply chain that handle FCI fall squarely under the CMMC Level 1 tier. This level is designed for organizations working with the DoD that do not store or process sensitive technical data, such as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), but still have access to basic contract information. (If your organization does handle CUI, you will need to map your posture to a higher tier using our full CMMC compliance guide).

The framework consists of 17 foundational security practices aligned with NIST SP 800-171, which map back to the 15 basic safeguarding requirements derived from the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR 52.204-21). Your organization must meet all of these practices and self-attest against them every single year.

Getting Started: The Gap Assessment

Before submitting your compliance score to the government, you need a clear, unvarnished picture of your current security posture.

"At Rhymetec, we always start with a gap assessment. A gap assessment against the NIST 800-171 controls is a must-have…It helps you determine if you have any missing controls or if you have any gaps in your compliance, so you can start putting together a roadmap for completing the remaining controls."

— Metin Kortak, Rhymetec

The goal is to compare your existing environment against the required controls. This process highlights exactly what needs remediation before you are ready to self-attest. CMMC 2.0 also allows you to use a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) to formally track missing controls and your plan for implementing them.

“In 2.0, CMMC came out with a final action and milestones plan. This document essentially allows you to create implementation plans for controls that are missing in your gap assessment, so that you can remediate these controls within a certain amount of time. This is also something you can work with third parties on or conduct your own self-assessment.”

— Metin Kortak, Rhymetec

Note: While a POA&M is excellent for tracking internal milestones during your preparation phase, the DoD requires all Level 1 practices to be fully operational (marked as "MET") at the time of your final annual submission.

Next, we will break down what you need to do to meet the requirements of CMMC Level 1.

The CMMC Level 1 Checklist

If your organization handles exclusively FCI and not CUI, CMMC Level 1 is your baseline standard.

"If you're only handling FCI and not CUI, you fall into Level 1. Level 1 is an order of magnitude less involved than Level 2. It actually only has 17 foundational practices that are heavily aligned with a subset of the NIST 800-171 framework. You must meet these 17 requirements, and then you just need to self-attest against them each year."

— Matt Bruggeman, A-LIGN

While these 17 CMMC practices map back to the 15 basic safeguarding requirements found in FAR 52.204-21, the CMMC framework splits certain multi-part federal rules into distinct, individual line items.

Below are the 17 actions you need to address within your CMMC Level 1 self-assessment checklist, divided into clear domains based on our expert compliance architecture.

*For a full list of these items with a greater level of technical detail, see the official FAR 52.204-21 documentation. 

Access Control (AC)

1. Limit system access to authorized users. To reduce the risk of unauthorized exposure, only users with a verified business need should be able to log in to systems storing or processing FCI.

In practice, you’ll need to take certain actions, such as setting up role-based access controls, implementing IAM (identity and access management) tools, and regularly auditing user access to remove accounts if they are no longer needed. 

These types of security measures entail broader business benefits, as they reduce the risk of insider threats and limit the extent of potential damage in case of compromised credentials.

2. Limit system access to authorized devices. Restrict administrative rights and limit information system access to the specific types of transactions and functions that authorized users are permitted to execute. 

All laptops and mobile devices connected to your systems should be managed to prevent untrusted endpoints from introducing threats. Implementing Mobile Device Management or endpoint detection and response solutions are industry-standard methods to accomplish this and prevent threats from entering through untrusted endpoints.

3. Control access to system functions (e.g., user roles). Systems linking to third parties (such as public cloud storage or external file-sharing apps) can become gateways for data leaks. 

Users should only be able to perform actions appropriate for their job (such as admin tasks being restricted to IT staff). It is critical to define roles and assign permissions accordingly, and restrict admin rights to select personnel. 

4. Verify control connections to external systems. Ensure that no non-public federal contract information is accidentally shared or processed on publicly accessible information systems, like public-facing company websites.

Organizations can accomplish this by maintaining an inventory of all third-party connections, reviewing and approving integrations before use, and monitoring data flow between internal systems and external services. This serves to protect against data loss via insecure APIs or file-sharing platforms.

Identification and Authentication (IA)

5. Identify system users, processes, or devices. Every entity attempting to interact with your systems must have a unique identifier so that all digital footprint activity is fully traceable.

Action items to accomplish this objective include assigning unique user IDs to all personnel, eliminating any shared accounts, and enabling logging to tie activity back to specific users. 

6. Authenticate identities before granting access. Enforce a mandatory prerequisite verification check (such as secure corporate passwords or access tokens) before allowing any user or device onto organizational networks.

The business value of this step is crucial, as it creates accountability and aids in forensic investigation in case of incidents.

Media Protection (MP)

7. Sanitize or destroy media containing FCI before disposal. Avoid data leakage from decommissioned hardware. 

Simply establishing a process to wipe drives using certified tools, physically destroy storage devices when decommissioned, and document sanitization or destruction (for audit purposes) accomplishes this and prevents data leakage from improperly discarded hardware.

Physical Protection (PE)

8. Limit physical access to organizational systems. Prevent unauthorized individuals from walking up to servers, workstations, or network closets by securing your physical environment.

Acceptable measures to fulfill this requirement under CMMC Level 1 include using keycards, biometric access, or badge systems, monitoring entry points with surveillance, and keeping visitor logs. All of these measures greatly reduce the risk of physical tampering and/or data theft.

9. Escort visitors and monitor visitor activity. Ensure that any non-employee or unauthorized individual inside a secure data environment is explicitly supervised at all times.

10. Maintain physical access audit logs. Keep a continuous, documented log of who enters and exits physical facility areas containing systems that process FCI.

11. Control and manage physical access devices. Implement strict oversight and inventory management for physical access tools, including keys, badges, keycards, or biometric locks.

System and Communications Protection (SC)

12. Monitor and control communications at system boundaries. Deploy robust firewalls and intrusion detection tools to inspect network traffic entering or leaving your perimeter, blocking suspicious activity.

13. Implement network subnetworks. Utilize network segmentation to separate publicly accessible system components (like public web servers) from internal networks, keeping external threats contained.

Actions such as applying email filters and web proxies, enforcing traffic rule zones between zones, and creating VLANs to isolate sensitive systems will limit the radius of a breach and keep attackers from causing further harm.

Systems and Information Integrity (SI)

14. Identify system flaws and manage them. Outdated systems are prime targets for malicious actors. This is why it is crucially important to keep systems up to date by applying security patches regularly.

For CMMC Level 1, organizations need to be accomplishing this by prioritizing critical updates, applying patches on a schedule with a documented process, and regularly checking for software updates.

15. Provide protection from malicious code. Deploy enterprise-grade anti-malware and antivirus tools across appropriate system locations to automatically block, quarantine, and report threats.

16. Update malicious code protection mechanisms. Ensure your anti-malware and security definitions are set to update automatically as soon as new releases are made available by the vendor.

17. Perform periodic system scans. Execute regular vulnerability scans and configure real-time file scanning on downloads or newly opened files to catch infrastructure weaknesses early.

Submitting Your Self-Attestation

Unlike Level 2 and Level 3, achieving compliance at Level 1 does not require an independent, mandatory third-party assessment by a C3PAO. Instead, organizations must perform an annual self-assessment and submit a formal attestation.

Following the implementation of the final rule, this submission must be signed by a designated corporate affirming official and uploaded directly into the DoD’s Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS).

To satisfy the requirements of a complete CMMC Level 1 self-assessment checklist, your business must document:

Because the implementation rollout is actively underway, failing to meet these mandatory requirements carries immediate business risks, including contract termination and disqualification from bidding on future defense solicitations.

Here is how long you can anticipate CMMC Level 1 to take:

Accelerating Your Path to CMMC Compliance

Navigating the defense industrial base compliance landscape can be resource-intensive, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. While Level 1 relies on annual self-assessments, many contractors use it as a stepping stone for higher tiers or want the peace of mind that comes with expert oversight.

As an approved CMMC Registered Provider Organization (RPO), Rhymetec is authorized to deliver the precise consulting, control implementation, and readiness support you need to align with DoD standards.

To give our clients an even greater competitive edge, we partner with accredited C3PAOs. If your contract trajectory requires you to eventually go beyond self-assessments and achieve a formal Level 2 certification, our combined expertise ensures a seamless, accelerated transition. Together, we handle the compliance legwork so your business stays eligible and audit-ready.

Ready to Speak to a CMMC Consultant?

At Rhymetec, we deliver the clarity, documentation, and expertise needed for successful certification. With a decade of trusted delivery and a 100% in-house team, we help you every step of the way, making an otherwise complex process clear, structured, and achievable.

From gap assessment and policy development to control implementation and SPRS submission support, we simplify the journey so you can focus on unlocking new growth.

Contact us today to speak with one of our compliance experts.

The defense industrial base is entering a new era of accountability. With the DoD’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements becoming mandatory, organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must demonstrate a security posture that is not only compliant, but operationally sustainable.

Complying with the 110 NIST 800-171 controls is essential for maintaining and winning contracts, but for many defense contractors, achieving compliance feels like a costly, complex, and disruptive overhaul.

That’s why Rhymetec is partnering with PreVeil, the leading CMMC and ITAR compliance solution for small and midsize businesses. Together, we bring defense contractors a complete, streamlined path to CMMC readiness and certification:

"We're thrilled to partner with Rhymetec to support defense contractors. Their expertise in managed IT services combined with our proven CMMC encryption solutions creates

a powerful offering for organizations navigating the compliance journey.” — Jamie Leupold, Director of Channel Sales and Alliances, PreVeil.

A New Standard for CMMC Readiness

Meeting DoD standards takes more than just buying software: it requires gap assessments, System Security Plans (SSPs), and continuous monitoring. 

This partnership brings organizations an integrated solution designed for both compliance and operational continuity:

For Defense Startups and SMBs

For smaller defense contractors, maintaining contract eligibility is business-critical, but heavy IT migrations are often out of reach. With this partnership, SMBs no longer have to compromise on security or budget.

For Mid-Market and Enterprise Organizations

As your organization grows, so does the complexity of your supply chain and the flow of CUI. Protecting sensitive data across a larger attack surface requires proven, scalable solutions.

With Rhymetec and PreVeil, security leaders get:

A Smarter Way Forward

CMMC is the mechanism the DoD is using to determine who can participate in the future of the defense supply chain.

This partnership ensures organizations don’t approach it as a checklist, but as a strategic capability.

By aligning PreVeil’s compliant collaboration platform with Rhymetec’s end-to-end CMMC readiness program, defense contractors gain the clarity, control, and confidence to move into assessment, and beyond it, with momentum. 

Contact us to move toward CMMC readiness with Rhymtec and PreVeil.

About PreVeil

PreVeil’s encrypted Email & Drive platform is used by over 2,000 organizations to improve their security & achieve CMMC & ITAR compliance. PreVeil can be deployed in hours & integrates directly with Gmail, Outlook, File Explorer, & Mac Finder. All files & emails are automatically encrypted end-to-end, which eliminates central points of attack & means no one other than intended recipients can read your sensitive information—not even PreVeil. PreVeil has been used by over 50 defense contractors & C3PAOs to achieve perfect 110 scores on their CMMC assessments.

About Rhymetec

Rhymetec is the trusted partner of over 1,500 organizations globally in all of their cybersecurity and compliance needs. Founded in NYC in 2015, Rhymetec delivers information security programs that enable organizations to move faster, meet regulatory demands, and scale with confidence. Our fully in-house team of dedicated vCISOs and seasoned penetration testers manages every phase of your cybersecurity and compliance journey, enabling you to focus on what matters most: growing your business.

If your business works with or plans to work with the U.S. Department of Defense or its contractors, CMMC Level 3 may be a contractual requirement for your organization. Level 3 is the highest level of CMMC, and introduces a higher bar to show that your security program can adequately protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). 

At Rhymetec, our vCISOs guide companies through compliance readiness every day. We’ve created this CMMC Level 3 Checklist to help you understand the CMMC Level 3 requirements, identify gaps in your current security program, and how to prioritize remediation efforts prior to engaging a C3PAO for certification and pursuing your official government-led assessment.

With the right planning, CMMC Level 3 can be achieved without derailing business growth or overloading your internal teams. If you are unsure of which level of CMMC you need, check out our CMMC Compliance Checklist for Level 2 and our CMMC Level 1 Checklist, or contact our team today for direct, tailored guidance for your organization.


CMMC Level 3 Compliance Checklist: What Are The Steps?

**The CMMC Level 3 Assessment Guide (v2.13) is released by the DoD’s CIO office and provides specific requirements and processes for assessment. Level 3 applies to a narrow subset of contractors working on high-sensitivity DoD programs involving advanced or unique CUI. Organizations should use our checklist as a reference, but also be sure to review the official rule and guide directly while preparing for assessments by DCMA DIBCAC. 

CMMC Level 3, also known as the “Expert” level, applies to organizations supporting DoD programs involving highly sensitive or mission-critical CUI. It combines the full NIST 800-171 control set with even more safeguards, pulled from NIST SP 800-172. 

CMMC Level 3 Requirements

Step 1: Reach CMMC Level 2 

Your organization must complete a successful Level 2 CMMC assessment by a C3PAO before beginning Level 3. This ensures all 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls are implemented. Once you have fulfilled the requirements for your CMMC Level 2 checklist, you just need to fill in the remaining requirements for Level 3:

Step 2: Implement Necessary NIST SP 800-172 Controls

The next step is to implement selected NIST SP 800-172 controls. The DoD requires adding 24 additional controls from NIST SP 800-172, which are designed to protect CUI against advanced threats. Additionally, you will need to update your System Security Plan from Level 2 to describe how both the 110 base controls and the 24 additional controls are implemented.

Step 3: Defining Your Assessment Scope

Use the official Level 3 Scoping Guide to categorize which CUI-bearing assets and surrounding systems are in scope. You need to confirm that unrelated systems (such as public WiFI or non-CUI devices) aren’t included. 

Step 4: Undergo A Government-Led Assessment

Level 3 requires a government-led assessment by DCMA DIBCAC every three years, plus annual affirmations by the organization’s Affirming Official. The Level 2 (C3PAO) annual affirmation for the same scope must also continue.

The DoD’s Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC)’s role in CMMC is to conduct assessments every three years for organizations that need CMMC Level 3. This leads us into Step 5:

Step 5: Maintain and Renew Your Certification

According to official DoD documentation, here are the certification requirements for CMMC Level 3: 

CMMC Level 3 Assessment Requirements

Source: U.S. Department of Defense

Level 3 DIBCAC certifications require renewal every three years, and organizations have to also submit confirmation of compliance every year. 

CMMC Level 3 Checklist: Timelines 

The time required to meet CMMC requirements varies depending on your organization’s size, industry, and whether or not you already comply with NIST 800-171 or a similar framework. Below are timelines to show what an average organization can expect for Levels 1, 2, and 3. 

Working with a vCISO can streamline the process and fast-track you to audit readiness. Rhymetec works closely with trusted auditing partners and can connect you with them for your assessment. 

**Note: The following timeline assumes that the organization will start with a gap assessment and follow a typical implementation plan. Organizations that are already aligned with NIST 800-171 can generally proceed faster. 

CMMC Level 3 Timeline (9-12 Months) 

Gap Assessment and Planning: 1-2 Months

Advanced Technical Controls and Procedural Controls: 6-7 Months 

Validation and Final Preparation For Your Assessment (2-3 Months)

CMMC Level 3 Timeline

**Note: Level 3 readiness can be accelerated if your organization has already implemented FedRAMP or other NIST-based frameworks. Organizations with complex cloud environments can require more time for controls such as segmentation and advanced logging. The support of a vCISO from the beginning can vastly speed things up!

What About Other Federal Regulations? FedRAMP and CMMC

Many organizations are unsure whether they need to meet CMMC, FedRAMP, or both:

"Being in a marketplace where we're working with a lot of cloud service providers and a lot of software application services, that's one of the most common questions we get. There are significant differences between the two frameworks, but there are also a lot of overlapping controls." - Metin Kortak, CISO at Rhymetec

CMMC applies to DoD contractors and subcontractors working with CUI or FCI, and maps directly onto the NIST SP 800-171 security controls. 

FedRAMP is designed for cloud service providers that offer IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS to civilian federal agencies. It is based on NIST SP 800-53, and uses impact-level baselines (Low, Moderate, and High). 

"If you are a cloud service provider and you are working with the Department of Defense, there is a likely chance you need to comply with both CMMC and FedRAMP. A lot of organizations in this position will choose to pursue FedRAMP first. If you comply with FedRAMP and you implement all of the controls, you're already implementing the majority of the controls you’ll need for CMMC. The remaining work for CMMC will be working with auditors and gathering documentation.” - Metin Kortak, CISO at Rhymetec

Both frameworks require foundational security measures, including access controls, incident response, and continuous monitoring. However, FedRAMP imposes a broader and deeper set of both technical and documentation requirements, especially around cloud-hosted services. 

The good news is there’s substantial overlap—especially at FedRAMP Moderate—but the organization is still responsible for meeting all NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 objectives across the CMMC scope. FedRAMP-authorized CSPs help, but you must still map, evidence, and assess controls for your environment.

Organizations that need both will often opt to do FedRAMP first, as they can then leverage that foundation to streamline CMMC compliance. For a deeper dive on the differences between these two federal frameworks (and how to determine which you need), check out our blog on CMMC vs. FedRAMP.

Advantages of Engaging A CMMC Consultant To Help Meet CMMC Level 3 Requirements (The Earlier, The Better!)

The higher levels of CMMC are complex. 

If you aren’t already compliant with the relevant NIST frameworks, compliance for Levels 2 and 3 will require implementing a massive amount of technical controls and corresponding documentation. For many companies, it simply isn’t feasible to manage all of this internally. 

This is where a virtual CISO (vCISO) comes in. A vCISO acts as a CMMC Consultant, working closely with your team to understand your environment and translating technical requirements into what you actually need to accomplish. 

In-House vs. Consultant Options For CMMC Compliance

Our vCISOs at Rhymetec support you throughout the entire CMMC preparation process. We conduct your gap assessment, carry out control implementation for the controls you need, finalize documentation, and serve as the main contact point for auditors on your behalf.   

**For information on our vCISO pricing options, check out our blog on vCISO pricing. 

Outsourcing the bulk of the work required for CMMC is helpful at any point in the compliance process, but is especially transformative during the initial stages. In our experience, especially partnering with startups to meet their compliance goals, working with a vCISO from the beginning allows you to turn an onerous process into a business enabler. 

An experienced vCISO will build a security program for your organization that not only meets CMMC and requirements but scales as your business grows. They understand exactly how to structure your compliance program to enable you to more easily meet additional or future requirements in your industry, and can connect you to the best auditing partners in your space. Contact us today to learn more.


Partner For Success: Work With Rhymetec + An Accredited C3PAO 

Meeting CMMC requirements is a complex process.

The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. Our partnership with industry leader A-LIGN, an accredited C3PAO, gives you access to both the security legwork needed to meet requirements as well as certified assessment services. 

Together, we help organizations prepare for CMMC with confidence. Whether you are just getting started or finalizing your readiness for an assessment, we’re here to support your compliance journey with security expertise and a trusted C3PAO partner. 

C3PAOs are the only organizations authorized by the CyberAB to perform official CMMC assessments. Their involvement is essentially a must-have for any contractor aiming for certification. Meanwhile, as a Registered Provider Organization (RPO), Rhymetec works hand-in-hand with A-LIGN to help you prepare for that assessment. 

RPOs are approved to offer consulting and readiness support, and help you implement required controls, remediate gaps, and make sure your security practices and documentation align with CMMC standards. Together with A-LIGN, we are proud to offer this streamlined option for our clients.

About Rhymetec

Our mission is to make cutting-edge cybersecurity available to SaaS companies and startups. We’ve worked with over 1,000 companies to provide practical security solutions tailored to their needs, enabling them to be secure and compliant while balancing security with budget. We enable our clients to outsource the complexity of security and focus on what really matters – growing their business. Contact us today to get started.

The federal government spends more than $100 billion annually on IT services, much of it through contracts with private companies. That level of investment brings strict cybersecurity expectations, especially for contractors that handle government data. 

Two frameworks frequently encountered in this space are the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). Both programs share the same goal of protecting sensitive information. However, they serve slightly different purposes and apply to different types of vendors. 

CMMC is designed for companies working with the Department of Defense, in particular for those that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Over 100,000 companies are part of the Defense Industrial Base. Any of them that handle CUI will eventually need to meet CMMC Level 2 or 3. 

Meanwhile, FedRAMP applies to cloud service providers working with civilian federal agencies. If you are a defense contractor, a SaaS provider, or if your organization supports both civilian and DoD programs, it's important to understand how CMMC and FedRAMP compare.

This article outlines the main differences between CMMC and FedRAMP, including which types of organizations they apply to, the requirements of each framework, and how to handle certification.

CMMC vs. FedRAMP

Who Needs CMMC and Who Needs FedRAMP?

CMMC and FedRAMP apply to different groups of contractors and vendors based on two factors: 

  1. The agencies they serve, and
  2. The type of data they handle. 

In short, if you're in the DoD supply chain, you may need to meet CMMC. If you're a cloud provider for civilian agencies, you may need FedRAMP authorization. Some organizations may need to pursue both if they serve both sides of the government in these capacities.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of a few common types of companies to which CMMC would apply. Remember that CMMC applies to companies that do business with the Department of Defense (DoD) and process, store, or transmit Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI): 

Basically, if a company touches DoD contract information in any way (and in particular if it involves CUI), it will most likely fall under CMMC. 

FedRAMP, on the other hand, applies to cloud service providers that want to sell their platforms or applications to civilian federal agencies (non-DoD). The types of companies this would include are:

For more information on what you will need to plan for to meet CMMC requirements specifically - and depending on which level of CMMC you need - check out our CMMC Level 1 Checklist and our CMMC Level 2 Checklist.

Security Requirements Compared

While CMMC and FedRAMP indeed share some overlap given their common goal to protect sensitive government data, they are built on different baseline requirements, and their approaches to security controls differ.

CMMC is based on the NIST SP 800-171 framework. It requires organizations to implement 110 security controls across 14 control families if they handle CUI and need to meet Level 2 certification. For organizations handling only FCI (Federal Contract Information), Level 1 requires 15 controls focused on basic security hygiene. CMMC's overall requirements are structured around the following security considerations:

Additionally, organizations must also produce documentation, including System Security Plans (SSPs) and Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), and be ready for assessment by a third-party assessment organization (C3PAO) at Level 2 or 3. Lastly, it's important to note that CMMC 2.0 is not a point-in-time audit. Contractors are required to maintain compliance continuously. For Levels 2 and 3, assessment will lapse upon failure to annually affirm, according to the DoD's CMMC Guidance.

CMMC vs FedRAMP Assessments

FedRAMP, by contrast, is based largely on NIST SP 800-53 controls, which are a bit more complex in scope. A Moderate FedRAMP authorization requires over 300 controls across a wide range of domains, including:

FedRAMP places more emphasis on supply chain risk management, cloud architecture documentation, and the remediation of vulnerabilities. Cloud service providers must show that they have a set of documents to pass the Joint Authorization Board or agency review. 

Documentation and Assessment Differences To Be Aware Of: CMMC vs. FedRAMP

The goal of documentation for CMMC (at Level 2) is to show that your organization meets the 110 controls from NIST SP 800-171. This includes documentation of:

  1. How controls are being implemented, and the plan for how they will be maintained. This documentation is your System Security Plan (SSP).
  2. A Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) - A list of gaps and a plan for remediation, with specific steps. 
  3. A list of policies and procedures, showing how your organization covers access control, incident response, configuration management, and other security controls. 
  4. Evidence of implementation (such as user logs, training records, configuration screenshots, etc) also must be included in your documentation. 

Finally, assessment is conducted by a C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization) for Level 2. Self-assessment is allowed at Level 1 (and in some cases, for Level 2), but must still be documented in SPRS (Supplier Performance Risk System) and affirmed by a senior official. 

*It's important to note that if you need CMMC Level 3, you will still need C3PAO affirmation completed on an annual basis, according to the DoD's updated overview of CMMC. For CMMC Level 3, the ongoing C3PAO assessments are in addition to undergoing an assessment every 3 years by the Defense Contract Management Agency's Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC). 

FedRAMP documentation, meanwhile, is part of a full authorization package submitted to either a sponsoring agency or the Joint Authorization Board. Required documents include: 

  1. System Security Plan (SSP) - this can often reach over 600 pages for Moderate-level systems!
  2. A Privacy Impact Assessment that identifies how personal data is being collected, used, and protected.
  3. A Continuous Monitoring Plan detailing how your organization will monitor system changes, incidents, and vulnerabilities.
  4. An Incident Response Plan, showing how incidents will be reported and handled.
  5. Documentation showing how system changes are approved and tracked (also known as a Configuration Management Plan). 

Assessment is carried out by a third-party assessment organization that has been recognized by the FedRAMP PMO (Program Management Office). FedRAMP requires ongoing authorization maintenance, which takes the form of monthly vulnerability scans, incident reporting, and annual reassessments. 

How Certification Works: CMMC vs. FedRAMP

CMMC 2.0 certification is tied to a company's eligibility for Department of Defense contracts. Depending on the sensitivity of the data involved, contractors must meet either Level 1 (self-assessed) Level 2 (typically third-party assessed) requirements, or Level 3 (third-party assessed). As discussed in greater detail in the previous sections, the process entails the following steps:

The first step is to conduct an internal NIST 800-171 gap assessment to compare where you are versus where you need to be. The next step is to document your System Security Plan and Plan of Action and Milestones, followed by finally engaging a certified third-party assessment organization (for Level 2 and 3). 

There is no central approval body, and certification is granted per contract, with the assessment scope being based on the environment that contains CUI. 

FedRAMP follows a centralized authorization process managed by the FedRAMP Program Management Office. There are two paths:

  1. Agency Authorization. For this option, a single agency sponsors the cloud service provider and reviews the authorization package. 
  2. Joint Authorization Board. Authorization via a Joint Authorization Board (which comprises the DHS, GSA, and the DoD) involves a higher bar of scrutiny. 

For the FedRAMP process, your organization will work with a Third-Party Assessment Organization to complete your Security Assessment Plan and Security Assessment Report. You'll then need to submit a full authorization package through FedRAMP's secure repository, and finally, undergo ongoing monitoring after approval.

Can You Be Compliant With Both?

The short answer is yes.

If your organization provides cloud-based services to civilian agencies and works with the Department of Defense, you likely need to comply with both FedRAMP and CMMC. For example, a SaaS company that supports DoD contracts involving CUI will need CMMC Level 2, and if the same product is then sold to a civilian agency (like the Department of Energy), they will also need FedRAMP authorization. 

CMMC and FedRAMP share foundational requirements from NIST standards. But it's not a direct map on - meeting FedRAMP Moderate, for instance, doesn't automatically mean you meet CMMC Level 2. The good news is it absolutely does reduce duplication in areas such as access control, system monitoring, and incident response. 

If you do need both CMMC and FedRAMP, figuring out early on how to align both compliance efforts can reduce cost and headaches down the road. This is a common use case for working with a consultant to manage both tracks. A consultant has the experience implementing these requirements across a large spectrum of different types of organizations, and can help ensure efficient implementation.

When To Bring In A Consultant Or MSSP

A recent report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office shows that many small businesses in the defense industry lack the internal resources to implement NIST 800-171 without outside help. This illustrates a growing need for CMMC consultants and MSSPs. 

In the report, many smaller businesses in particular expressed concerns about the costs and resources required for CMMC implementation. This is where outsourcing the process can be transformative. Outsourcing is a fraction of the investment that building out an in-house team to carry out the implementation process would be. 

The fact is that organizations often wait too long to bring in help, and this can lead to missed deadlines and unnecessary rework. If you're pursuing CMMC, FedRAMP, or both, bringing in a consultant early can reduce risk and cost. 

It can be a good idea to bring in a consultant or MSSP if you don't have internal staff with experience in NIST 800-171 or 800-53 implementation, if you're unsure how to scope your CUI, if you're being asked to respond to a security questionnaire and aren't confident in your answers, or if you need to align your environment for both frameworks. 

A consultant will perform a gap analysis, build a compliance roadmap, draft documentation for you, implement technical controls, and fully prepare your team for assessment. For small and mid-sized organizations, especially those with aggressive go-to-market timelines, outsourcing to a qualified team helps avoid delays and prevents compliance from blocking growth.

About Rhymetec

Our mission is to make cutting-edge cybersecurity available to SaaS companies and startups. We’ve worked with hundreds of companies to provide practical security solutions tailored to their needs, enabling them to be secure and compliant while balancing security with budget. We enable our clients to outsource the complexity of security and focus on what really matters – their business. Contact us today to get started.

With a Registered Practitioner on Staff and a Proven Track Record, the Company Solidifies Its Role as a Leading Partner for Defense Contractors Navigating New CMMC Requirements.

NEW YORK, May 28, 2025 – 

Rhymetec, the industry leader in cloud security that provides innovative cybersecurity, compliance, and data privacy services to modern-day SaaS businesses, today announces it has achieved the status of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Registered Provider Organization (RPO) through CyberAB. Developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the CMMC Program is a set of rules designed to strengthen cybersecurity and protect sensitive government information shared with defense contractors.

As a CMMC RPO, Rhymetec is equipped to provide expert advisory and compliance readiness and maintenance services to help organizations understand CMMC requirements, implement necessary controls, and prepare for audits and assessments. This milestone is especially timely, as the final CMMC requirements take effect this month, making compliance essential for contractors looking to win or retain DoD contracts. Rhymetec's commitment to advancing CMMC readiness is further demonstrated by its active participation in industry events such as CEIC West and recent collaborations with leading compliance partners like Vanta and A-LIGN.

"With the final CMMC requirements now in effect, defense contractors and subcontractors are under real pressure to get compliance right," said Justin Rende, founder and chief executive officer of Rhymetec. "Achieving RPO status reinforces our commitment to guiding clients through this critical process with clarity, confidence, and deep expertise."

In addition to being a designated CMMC Registered Provider Organization (RPO), Rhymetec's chief information security officer (CISO), Metin Kortak, has earned the credential of CMMC Registered Practitioner (RP). This distinction underscores the company's dedication to cybersecurity excellence and hands-on expertise. Having a certified RP on staff is not only a requirement for RPOs but also enhances the value of Rhymetec's advisory and managed services, enabling more strategic guidance and tailored preparation for organizations seeking certification under the latest CMMC standards.

"CMMC isn't just about checking boxes; it's about building a resilient security posture that can stand up to real-world threats," said Metin Kortak, CISO of Rhymetec. "As a Registered Practitioner, I'm proud to help organizations cut through the complexity and take actionable steps toward long-term compliance and protection."

If your organization needs guidance navigating the complexities of CMMC compliance, including conducting gap assessments or self-assessments, developing System Security Plans (SSPs), drafting a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), implementing required security controls, and supporting remediation efforts, Rhymetec can help.

You can read the original press release on PR Newswire.

About Rhymetec

Rhymetec is an industry leader in cloud security, providing innovative cybersecurity and data privacy services to the modern-day SaaS business. The company builds, deploys and manages compliant information security and data privacy programs directly within their customers' unique environments, allowing them to focus on their core competencies within their business. Over the years, Rhymetec's services have grown to include a vCISO (Virtual CISO) program, ISO Internal Audits, and a variety of Penetration Testing services. For more information, please visit www.rhymetec.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Deepak Chopra once said, "All great changes are preceded by chaos." This has never been more accurate than when it’s applied to the current AI and cybersecurity environments—and the regulations that govern them.

New frameworks like the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), the EU AI Act, the Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS2) and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) are reshaping how businesses handle security, risk and compliance. These regulations aren't just about ticking boxes—they carry major financial penalties and demand real operational changes.

For companies in financial services, AI development, critical infrastructure or defense, staying ahead of the changes is vital to avoid penalties, protect data and maintain trust. Let's look at what each entails.

DORA: Protecting Financial Institutions From Cyber Disruptions

Financial institutions face constant cyber threats and operational risks. DORA aims to empower financial organizations to weather system disruptions and continue operating smoothly.

DORA requires penetration testing, vulnerability assessments and disaster recovery planning. It focuses on business continuity to ensure that if a system fails, a plan is in place to keep operations running. Banks, insurance companies and investment firms must validate security controls through rigorous testing.

This regulation is a wake-up call for financial institutions to take cybersecurity resilience seriously. The penalties for non-compliance are severe, making it crucial for businesses to invest in robust security testing and operational risk management.

The EU AI Act: Setting The Global Standard For AI Compliance

AI development currently operates in a regulatory gray area, but the EU AI Act is changing that. One of the first laws to set clear boundaries on AI usage, it focuses on ethical risks, security concerns and prohibited applications.

The most important takeaway is the significant financial penalties for non-compliance: These can be up to 7% of a company's global annual revenue or 35 million euros, whichever is higher. That's more than GDPR, which has already forced businesses worldwide to rethink their approach to data privacy.

This law explicitly bans certain AI applications, particularly those that exploit vulnerabilities. The ban includes AI-powered cyberattacks, social manipulation and unethical facial recognition practices. Article 5 of the act outlines prohibited AI uses, such as systems that exploit people's age, disabilities or socioeconomic circumstances.

This isn't simply a privacy factor; its purpose is to prevent AI from being weaponized.

A common misconception is that this law only affects European companies. That's not the case. Any company developing, deploying or processing AI systems in the EU—or serving EU customers—must comply. For example, if a U.S. company hosts its platform in an EU data center or processes European customer data, this regulation applies.

The EU AI Act is setting the stage for global AI governance. Similar regulations are expected to emerge worldwide, making it smart for businesses to adapt now rather than scrambling to comply later.

NIS2: Strengthening Cybersecurity For Critical Infrastructure

Also in the EU, the NIS2 Directive expands cybersecurity requirements for critical industries like energy, healthcare, transportation and digital services. It builds on the original NIS Directive but goes much further, applying to more organizations, increasing security expectations and enforcing stricter penalties.

The enhanced reporting requirements are one of the biggest challenges. Companies must notify regulators of cyber incidents within 24 hours, provide a complete assessment within 72 hours and demonstrate they are actively managing security risks.

The directive also emphasizes stronger supply chain security, holding companies responsible for ensuring their vendors meet cybersecurity standards. This means businesses can't just secure their own systems—they must also vet suppliers and partners to prevent weak links in the supply chain.

Beyond reporting and supply chain oversight, NIS2 enforces stricter governance requirements. Organizations must appoint security officers, conduct regular risk assessments and develop robust cybersecurity policies. Those that fail to comply face heavy financial penalties and increased regulatory scrutiny.

Compliance isn't optional for companies operating in or serving the EU market. NIS2 is setting a new cybersecurity standard, and businesses that don't act risk fines, operational disruptions and reputational damage.

CMMC: Raising the Bar For U.S. Defense Contractors

The CMMC is a requirement for companies working with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). It builds on cybersecurity frameworks like NIST 800-171, ensuring that defense contractors follow strict security protocols to protect sensitive government data.

Recent changes to CMMC include a new self-assessment option for Level 1 compliance, making it easier for smaller contractors to meet requirements without hiring third-party auditors. However, higher certification levels still require independent verification, adding layers of accountability.

With the new compliance requirements going into effect in mid-2025, businesses need to act now. The DoD has made it clear that CMMC certification will be mandatory for contracts, and companies that don't comply risk losing business.

Evolving Security Frameworks: A Smarter Approach To Compliance

For organizations handling sensitive data in healthcare, finance and other regulated industries, new security frameworks present a way to prove compliance with strict privacy and cybersecurity standards. In the past, certification required a lengthy, one-size-fits-all assessment, but newer models offer more flexible options with fewer controls, reducing complexity while maintaining security.

Many businesses don't realize that certification levels vary, and choosing a lower-tier option may not meet regulatory or customer expectations. This is especially important for HIPAA compliance, where recognized certifications can demonstrate that companies meet security standards. As cybersecurity laws evolve, understanding these frameworks ensures that businesses stay compliant, competitive and prepared for future regulations.

Laws like DORA, the EU AI Act and NIS2 are designed to keep technology from becoming a threat. AI development currently lacks clear rules—without oversight, it can be used in dangerous ways. These regulations force businesses to prioritize security and ethics upfront, preventing bigger problems down the road.

To stay ahead, organizations must:

  1. Identify relevant regulations and update security policies.
  2. Invest in risk assessments, penetration testing and employee training.
  3. Stay informed—more regulations are coming.

Compliance isn't just about avoiding penalties but about building a safer, more resilient digital future. Companies that act now will lead, while those that wait will fall behind.

You can read the original article posted in Forbes by Rhymetec CISO, Metin Kortak.

About Rhymetec

Our mission is to make cutting-edge cybersecurity available to SaaS companies and startups. We've worked with hundreds of companies to provide practical security solutions tailored to their needs, enabling them to be secure and compliant while balancing security with budget. We enable our clients to outsource the complexity of security and focus on what really matters – their business. Contact us today to get started.

Working with a CMMC consultant is an attractive option for many organizations seeking to meet the updated CMMC requirements nowadays.

The Department of Defense (DoD) released CMMC 2.0 on October 15th, 2024, a requirement for defense contractors and subcontractors with the goal of improving cybersecurity standards. The updated version refines the original framework, aiming to simplify the path to compliance while maintaining the highest security standards for organizations that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and other sensitive contract data. 

One way in which the updated version simplifies compliance is by aligning requirements even more closely with existing cybersecurity standards like NIST SP 800—171. Many organizations may already comply with NIST 800-171 or another framework very closely aligned with it. Either way, the shift in compliance expectations has led many organizations to assess whether they have the in-house resources to manage security or if they need external support through a CMMC consultant.

CMMC Consultant vs. In-House Compliance Options

Working with a Managed Security Services Provider that offers CMMC consulting services (like Rhymetec!) can help contractors meet CMMC 2.0 requirements efficiently. MSSPs take the work off your plate and help you meet your goals in the fastest time frame possible. We've helped over 1,000 organizations meet their compliance and security requirements in the fastest time frame possible.

In this article, we go over how CMMC 2.0 works, the options available for achieving compliance, and the potential advantages of working with a CMMC consultant.

What Is A CMMC Consultant, and What Do They Do?

Unless you have a fully built-out in-house cybersecurity and compliance team, CMMC can be a massive project to take on internally—taking a year or longer to meet requirements. This is where a CMMC consultant comes in.

A CMMC consultant is a cybersecurity and compliance expert who helps defense contractors meet the requirements of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0. Consultants do everything from conducting a gap assessment to see where you are versus where you need to be, developing practical strategies to achieve compliance that will fit seamlessly (and as non-disruptively as possible!) into your operations, and guiding you through the certification process in partnership with an external auditor.  

For many businesses, especially small and mid-sized contractors, understanding and implementing CMMC controls can be challenging. A CMMC consultant provides tailored, specialized knowledge to streamline the entire process, reduce your risk of non-compliance, and make big improvements to your overall security if you do not already have certain measures in place.

Do You Need A CMMC Consultant?

The best way to determine if you need a CMMC consultant is to look through the responsibilities and deliverables in the next section and assess whether or not you have the in-house capacity to fulfill all of these items. 

If you are a larger organization and already have a security team with personnel that can accomplish the necessary tasks for CMMC (A Chief Information Security Officer, Penetration Tester, Cloud Security Specialist, Vulnerability Management Analyst, etc.), you can probably do most of this on your own or with guidance from a CMMC consultant rather than full support. 

However, for smaller organizations or those without a fully developed in-house security program, engaging a CMMC consultant entails multiple benefits. 

According to A-LIGN’s 2025 Compliance Benchmark Report, 57% of government-affiliated organizations reported conducting audits specifically to meet contract requirements, up from 40% in 2024. DoD contractors and subcontractors will need to obtain certification under one of three trust levels to demonstrate that they have adequately implemented cybersecurity measures.  

Below are some questions to help you assess whether working with a consultant is the right choice. After you answer these questions and review the responsibilities and deliverables listed below in the next section, you should have a clear picture of whether or not you need a CMMC consultant:

1. Which CMMC Level Do You Need To Achieve?

The CMMC level you need depends on the type of contracts you handle:

CMMC Level 1 (Basic Cyber Hygiene) is required for contractors who only handle Federal Contract Information (FCI). Compliance is self-assessed, but security controls must still be implemented.

CMMC Level 2 (Advanced Cyber Hygiene) is required for contractors who handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Compliance requires a third-party assessment (C3PAO) every year.

CMMC Level 3 (Expert) is required for contractors who are working on high-security DoD projects. Compliance entails DoD-led audits and adherence to NIST SP 800-171 and portions of NIST SP 800-172.

If you need CMMC Level 2 or Level 3, working with a CMMC consultant can be extremely helpful, given the amount of work involved in the third-party assessment process, implementing missing security controls, and maintaining ongoing compliance. 

2. Do You Have An Internal Cybersecurity Team With Compliance Expertise?

If you have a dedicated cybersecurity and compliance team, you may be able to handle CMMC requirements internally. Even if you do have an internal team, however, a CMMC consultant can still be beneficial if:

3. Have You Implemented a NIST 800-171 Self-Assessment?

If you need CMMC Level 2 or Level 3, you should already have a NIST 800-171 self-assessment and an SPRS score recorded. If you haven't completed this step, a CMMC consultant can guide you through the process. Additionally, if your SPRS score is low, or if you have many missing security controls, you may need a consultant to develop a remediation strategy before moving forward. 

4. Do You Need Help Implementing Technical Security Controls?

There are a range of technical security controls required by CMMC that many organizations may not have adopted yet. If your company lacks the bandwidth to deploy these measures, a CMMC consultant can provide guidance and support (or do it for you, depending on the level of support outlined in the engagement). These types of technical controls include configuring multi-factor authentication, implementing network segmentation, SIEM logging and monitoring, and vulnerability management. 

5. Are You Prepared For A Third-Party or DoD Audit?

For Levels 2 and 3, organizations have to pass an official assessment conducted by a Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) or the DoD. The most common issues contractors face with these assessments are due to insufficient documentation, improperly implemented controls, or lack of audit preparation. A CMMC consultant can remediate these issues and more in advance of your assessment. 

6. Do You Need Ongoing Compliance Support?

Lastly, it's important to know that CMMC compliance requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance. You'll need to keep your certification in good standing year-round. If your organization does not have a dedicated team to handle continuous compliance, a CMMC consultant can provide long-term security and compliance management. Ongoing support can include:

If the answer is "yes" to multiple questions, partnering with a CMMC consultant may be a good option for your organization. 

Do You Need A CMMC Consultant?

Next, let's go over what a CMMC consultant typically accomplishes for organizations throughout the engagement. This should help give you a good idea of what to expect:

Timelines And Deliverables From A CMMC Consultanting Engagement  

A CMMC consultant provides end-to-end support to help defense contractors achieve CMMC compliance. At a high level, this process entails assessing your organization's current security posture, implementing the required controls you don't already have, developing documentation, training personnel, and preparing for the official assessment. 

Here is what this process and the deliverables will look like, in general, for an organization starting from a more basic security posture:

1. CMMC Initial Assessment - Documentation and Gap Assessment: 

Timeline With A CMMC Consultant: 1-2 Months 

2. Implementation of Access Control and System Security

Timeline With A CMMC Consultant: 1-3 Months 

3. Documentation and Policy Development

Timeline With A CMMC Consultant: 1-2 Months 

4. Training

Timeline With A CMMC Consultant:  1 Month 

5. Testing and Control Validation

Timeline With A CMMC Consultant: 1-2 Months 

6. C3PAO Assessment

Timeline With A CMMC Consultant: 1 Month 

Ongoing Maintenance

To maintain compliance and readiness for recertification, a CMMC consultant provides ongoing support through the following:

CMMC Consultant Deliverables and Timelines

Why Work With A CMMC Consultant?

Achieving compliance is not simple. There is an array of technical and procedural controls and extensive required documentation. A CMMC consultant helps businesses navigate these requirements by providing specialized expertise (at a much lower price point than building out an in-house team would cost) and reducing administrative burdens. 

Many defense contractors lack the in-house resources to manage requirements, especially as the DoD increases enforcement of cybersecurity standards. Often, for example, small defense contractors with no formal cybersecurity programs need to achieve CMMC Level 1 to continue bidding on DoD contracts. Having limited IT staff and a lack of security policies and policies can be a significant roadblock.

In this scenario, a CMMC consultant would help by starting with an initial assessment to determine the company's current security posture and documentation and, from there, develop all missing policies, procedures, and documents. Often, this includes a System Security Plan (SSP), access control policies, and an incident response plan. 

Many contractors also underestimate the complexity of CMMC and wait too long to start the process. The risk of failing an assessment can lead to contract loss and reputational damage. Working with a CMMC consultant reduces risk, streamlines implementation, strengthens your cybersecurity, and ensures you stay audit-ready year-round.

If your business relies on DoD contracts, CMMC certification isn't optional. Engaging a CMMC consultant early on in the process saves significant time and headaches down the road. 

About Rhymetec

Our mission is to make cutting-edge cybersecurity available to SaaS companies and startups. We’ve worked with hundreds of companies to provide practical security solutions tailored to their needs, enabling them to be secure and compliant while balancing security with budget. We enable our clients to outsource the complexity of security and focus on what really matters – their business. Contact us today to get started.

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