Everything You Need to Know About CMMC Compliance

If your company does business with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), or plans to, understanding Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Whether you’re a prime contractor or a small subcontractor, CMMC is the standard you’ll be measured against when it comes to protecting sensitive government data. And with the phased rollout of CMMC 2.0 expected to begin sometime in Q2 2025, the time is now for independent software vendors (ISVs), cloud service providers (CSPs), services companies, and DoD contractors in general to begin taking steps towards compliance.

In this blog, we’ll explain the meaning of CMMC and break down its key components. We’ll also explore how working with a CMMC compliance consultant or managed service provider (MSP) to get accredited and remain compliant over time can significantly boost your opportunity to sell your products and services to government agencies.

What Does CMMC Stand For?

CMMC, short for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, is a unified framework developed by the DoD to ensure that all defense contractors and subcontractors have adequate cybersecurity measures in place. At its core, CMMC seeks to strengthen defense industrial base (DIB) cybersecurity measures and enforce the protection of sensitive unclassified information that the DoD shares with its contractors and subcontractors.

CMMC aims to protect two primary types of information:

• Federal Contract Information (FCI): Information not intended for public release but provided or generated under a government contract.
• Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI): Sensitive information that requires safeguarding but isn’t classified.

The current version, CMMC 2.0, simplifies the model into three certification levels:

1. Level 1 (Basic Safeguarding of FCI): The first level of CMMC 2.0 compliance requires DoD contractors and subcontractors to conduct an annual self-assessment and affirmation of compliance with the 15 security requirements in FAR clause 52.204-21.17. Once completed, assessment results must be entered into the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS).
2. Level 2 (Broad Protection of CUI): Requirements for the second level of CMMC 2.0 compliance vary based on the type of information that is processed, transmitted, or stored on the contractor or subcontractor’s information systems. Companies must either complete an annual affirmation that verifies compliance with the 110 security requirements in NIST SP 800-171 Revision 2 or conduct a self-assessment or a C3PAO assessment every three years, as specified in the solicitation.
3. Level 3 (Higher-Level Protection of CUI Against Advanced Persistent Threats): DoD contractors and subcontractors that have achieved CMMC status of Final Level 2 can begin to pursue Level 3 certification. This level requires companies to undergo an assessment every three years by the Defense Contract Management Agency’s Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC) and provide an annual affirmation verifying compliance with the 24 identified requirements from NIST SP 800-172.

NIST Requirements For Compliance

To really secure your organization under NIST compliance, you’re not just following a list of tasks; you’re creating a cybersecurity approach that addresses real, often painful gaps in security strategy. 

Here’s how these requirements play out in practical terms:

Why CMMC Compliance Matters

CMMC compliance is a contractual requirement for any organization wishing to participate in DoD contracts involving FCI or CUI. Without certification, you could be excluded from bids—or even lose existing work.

Unlike earlier frameworks that relied on self-attestation, CMMC requires independent verification of your cybersecurity posture, especially at Levels 2 and 3. This means it’s critical to prepare well before any assessment takes place.

CMMC Readiness: How to Prepare

Achieving CMMC readiness involves more than checking off technical controls. It’s a combination of policy, process, and technology. Here are four key steps to get started:

1. Understand Your Data Environment
   • Identify whether your systems process, store, or transmit FCI or CUI.
   • Map your data flows and define your CMMC assessment boundary.
2. Conduct a Gap Assessment
   • Perform a readiness assessment against the relevant CMMC level (often Level 2 for most contractors).
   • Use NIST SP 800-171 as a benchmark if aiming for Level 2 compliance.
3. Remediate Existing Gaps
   • Address technical shortfalls (e.g., MFA, logging, endpoint protection).
   • Document processes and policies—assessors will look for evidence, not just tools.
4. Work with a CMMC Compliance Consultant or CMMC MSP
   • Experts can help accelerate your path to compliance by guiding remediation, writing required documentation, and supporting audit prep.
   • A CMMC MSP can also manage ongoing cybersecurity operations to help you stay compliant long-term.

The Role of a CMMC Compliance Consultant

A CMMC compliance consultant brings specialized knowledge of the model, audit process, and technical controls needed for certification. Here’s how they can help:

• Gap Analysis and Readiness Planning: Get a clear picture of where you stand and what’s needed.
• Policy and Documentation Support: Create compliant system security plans (SSPs) and plans of action and milestones (POA&Ms).
• Technical Implementation: Help configure compliant systems or recommend secure tools and practices.
• Audit Support: Prepare you for a third-party assessment by simulating audit conditions and answering assessor questions.

Why Partner with a CMMC MSP?

A CMMC MSP goes beyond consulting to provide ongoing management of your cybersecurity program. This is especially useful for small to mid-sized contractors who lack in-house resources. With a CMMC-aligned MSP, you gain:

• Proactive threat detection and response
• Managed endpoint protection and patching
• Continuous monitoring and log management
• Regular reviews of compliance posture

By outsourcing your cybersecurity to a trusted provider, you can focus on your core mission while staying confident in your compliance status. The right CMMC MSP or CMMC compliance consultant can help you better understand the Cybersecurity Maturity Model, assess your current security posture, and position your organization to meet DoD requirements and win more defense contracts.

IS Partners is an Authorized CMMC Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO), meaning we are authorized by the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB) to conduct CMMC Level 2 assessments of companies seeking certification. Our experts conduct gap assessments, refine policies, and align processes to ensure your organization meets the necessary security standards of CMMC compliance.

Whether you’re preparing for Level 1 or targeting Level 2 and beyond, start your CMMC readiness journey today—and don’t wait until the next contract opportunity to get compliant.

Want to learn more about IS Partner’s CMMC compliance services? Click here to discover how we can help you navigate CMMC audit readiness and compliance as an Authorized C3PAO.

Ready to secure your organization’s compliance with a tailored approach? Connect with us to set up a consultation today.

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About The Author

Ian Terry

Ian Terry is a highly respected thought leader and subject matter expert in the field of cybersecurity.

As the Director of Cybersecurity Services for IS Partners, Ian leverages his extensive knowledge and experience to provide valuable insights and guidance to clients across various industries.

Ian has performed numerous risk assessments and audits related to NIST, HIPAA, HITRUST, FISMA, PCI, and CMSR. He is also an expert in third-party risk management having built a SaaS security platform for streamlining third-party risk assessments. Ian's cybersecurity writings have been published in Hackernoon, Security Boulevard and CISO Mag.

He holds a B.S. in Cybersecurity from a national center of academic excellence in cybersecurity as recognized by the NSA and DHS and has CSM, HCISPP, and SSCP certifications.