CMMC Compliance
Protect DoD Contracts with CMMC Certification
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is mandatory cybersecurity framework for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). CMMC ensures defense contractors implement appropriate cybersecurity controls protecting sensitive defense information. Framework includes five maturity levels (Level 1-5) based on NIST 800-171 controls with increasing sophistication. DoD contractors must achieve required CMMC level before receiving contracts containing CUI. Certification conducted by CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) and valid for three years. Non-compliance results in contract loss and exclusion from DoD opportunities. At Glocert International, we help defense contractors achieve CMMC compliance through gap assessments, implementation support, readiness reviews, and certification preparation meeting DoD requirements and protecting defense supply chain.
What is CMMC?
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is unified cybersecurity standard for DoD contractors protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI). Framework combines NIST 800-171 controls with maturity processes ensuring contractors implement and sustain cybersecurity practices.
Framework Structure
CMMC framework includes:
- 17 Domains: Access Control, Asset Management, Audit and Accountability, Awareness and Training, Configuration Management, Identification and Authentication, Incident Response, Maintenance, Media Protection, Personnel Security, Physical Protection, Recovery, Risk Management, Security Assessment, Situational Awareness, System and Communications Protection, System and Information Integrity
- 5 Maturity Levels: Level 1 (Basic Cyber Hygiene), Level 2 (Intermediate Cyber Hygiene), Level 3 (Good Cyber Hygiene), Level 4 (Proactive), Level 5 (Advanced/Progressive)
- 110 Controls: Based on NIST 800-171 with additional CMMC-specific practices
Who Needs CMMC?
CMMC required for DoD contractors including:
- Prime contractors handling CUI
- Subcontractors processing CUI
- Organizations in defense supply chain
- Contractors with DFARS 252.204-7012 requirements
- Organizations seeking DoD contracts
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
CUI is information requiring safeguarding or dissemination controls per federal law, regulation, or government-wide policy. Examples include technical data, engineering drawings, specifications, research data, and proprietary information. CMMC protects CUI throughout defense supply chain ensuring contractors implement appropriate cybersecurity controls.
Why CMMC Matters
1. Mandatory DoD Contract Requirement
CMMC certification mandatory for DoD contracts containing CUI. Contractors must achieve required CMMC level before contract award. Without certification, contractors cannot bid on or receive DoD contracts. Certification requirement phased into contracts starting 2025. Early certification provides competitive advantage and ensures readiness for DoD opportunities.
2. Defense Supply Chain Security
CMMC strengthens defense supply chain cybersecurity protecting sensitive defense information from adversaries. Framework ensures contractors implement consistent cybersecurity practices reducing supply chain vulnerabilities. Strong cybersecurity posture protects national security interests and defense capabilities. CMMC certification demonstrates commitment to protecting defense information.
3. Third-Party Validation
CMMC requires independent third-party assessment by C3PAOs providing objective validation of cybersecurity practices. Certification demonstrates to DoD that contractors meet cybersecurity requirements. Third-party validation more credible than self-attestation ensuring consistent standards across defense contractors. Certification valid for three years requiring ongoing compliance.
4. Competitive Advantage
CMMC certification provides competitive advantage in DoD contracting. Certified contractors demonstrate cybersecurity maturity differentiating from competitors. Certification enables access to broader range of DoD contracts including those requiring higher CMMC levels. Early certification positions contractors ahead of compliance deadline.
5. Risk Reduction
CMMC implementation reduces cybersecurity risks protecting CUI from unauthorized access, disclosure, or compromise. Framework addresses common attack vectors including phishing, malware, insider threats, and supply chain attacks. Strong cybersecurity controls reduce likelihood of data breaches protecting contractors from financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liability.
Our CMMC Services
Glocert International provides comprehensive CMMC compliance services for DoD contractors.
CMMC Gap Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of current cybersecurity practices against CMMC requirements for target maturity level. Assessment reviews all 17 domains, evaluates control implementation, identifies gaps and deficiencies, assesses maturity processes, and provides prioritized remediation roadmap. Gap assessment determines readiness for certification and identifies areas requiring improvement.
CMMC Implementation Support
Implementation support for achieving CMMC compliance including control implementation guidance, policy and procedure development, technical control configuration, security tool implementation, training and awareness programs, and process maturity development. Support ensures contractors implement controls correctly meeting CMMC requirements.
CMMC Readiness Assessment
Pre-certification readiness assessment evaluating compliance before formal C3PAO assessment. Assessment includes control testing, evidence review, process maturity evaluation, documentation review, and readiness scoring. Identifies remaining gaps before certification assessment reducing risk of certification failure.
CMMC Level Determination
Assessment to determine required CMMC level based on contract requirements and CUI handling. Evaluates contract language, CUI types handled, information flow, and DoD requirements. Determines appropriate CMMC level ensuring contractors pursue correct certification level avoiding over-certification or under-certification.
System Security Plan (SSP) Development
Development of comprehensive System Security Plan documenting how CMMC controls implemented. SSP includes system description, control implementation details, network diagrams, data flow diagrams, and control narratives. Required documentation for CMMC assessment demonstrating control implementation and compliance.
POA&M Development and Management
Development and management of Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) addressing identified gaps. POA&M documents deficiencies, remediation plans, timelines, responsibilities, and milestones. Required for CMMC assessment when controls not fully implemented. POA&M management ensures timely remediation and compliance.
C3PAO Assessment Support
Support during C3PAO certification assessment including assessment preparation, evidence organization, assessment coordination, assessor support, finding remediation, and certification maintenance. Ensures smooth assessment process and successful certification.
Continuous Monitoring and Compliance
Ongoing compliance programs maintaining CMMC certification including continuous monitoring, control testing, policy updates, training refreshers, and annual assessments. Ensures contractors maintain compliance between certification cycles and prepare for recertification.
CMMC Maturity Levels
CMMC framework includes five maturity levels:
Level 1: Basic Cyber Hygiene
17 practices protecting Federal Contract Information (FCI). Focuses on basic cybersecurity practices. Self-assessment required. Foundation for higher levels.
Level 2: Intermediate Cyber Hygiene
72 practices including all Level 1 plus additional practices. Transitional level with some processes documented. Self-assessment required.
Level 3: Good Cyber Hygiene
110 practices including all NIST 800-171 controls. Processes must be managed and documented. Third-party assessment required. Most common level for DoD contractors.
Level 4: Proactive
156 practices with advanced cybersecurity practices. Processes must be reviewed and measured. Third-party assessment required. For contractors handling sensitive CUI.
Level 5: Advanced/Progressive
171 practices with sophisticated cybersecurity capabilities. Processes must be optimized. Third-party assessment required. For contractors handling highly sensitive CUI.
Benefits of CMMC Certification:
DoD Contract Access
Enables bidding on and receiving DoD contracts containing CUI.
Competitive Advantage
Demonstrates cybersecurity maturity differentiating from competitors.
Risk Reduction
Strong cybersecurity controls protect CUI from breaches and attacks.
Supply Chain Security
Contributes to defense supply chain cybersecurity protecting national security.
CMMC Services Pricing
Our CMMC services pricing is transparent and based on target maturity level, organization size, and current compliance state.
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Get a personalized estimate based on your CMMC certification needs.
Contact Us for PricingWhat's Included:
- CMMC gap assessment
- Implementation support
- Readiness assessment
- Level determination
- SSP development
- POA&M management
- C3PAO assessment support
- Continuous monitoring
Note: Pricing varies based on target CMMC level (Level 1-5), organization size, IT environment complexity, current compliance state, and certification scope. Contact us for detailed quote.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to common questions about CMMC:
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is mandatory cybersecurity framework for U.S. Department of Defense contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Framework includes five maturity levels (Level 1-5) based on NIST 800-171 controls. Required for prime contractors, subcontractors, and organizations in defense supply chain processing CUI. DoD contractors must achieve required CMMC level before receiving contracts containing CUI. Certification conducted by C3PAOs and valid for three years. CMMC ensures defense contractors implement appropriate cybersecurity controls protecting sensitive defense information.
Required CMMC level determined by contract requirements and CUI types handled. Level 1: Basic cyber hygiene for FCI. Level 2: Intermediate cyber hygiene (transitional). Level 3: Good cyber hygiene with all NIST 800-171 controls (most common for DoD contractors). Level 4: Proactive for sensitive CUI. Level 5: Advanced for highly sensitive CUI. Contract language specifies required level. Most DoD contracts require Level 3. Glocert helps determine appropriate level based on contract requirements and CUI handling.
Certification timeline varies: Gap assessment (2-4 weeks), Implementation (3-12 months depending on maturity level and gaps), Readiness assessment (2-3 weeks), C3PAO assessment (1-2 weeks), Certification (typically 2-4 weeks after assessment). Total timeline typically 6-18 months from start to certification. Level 3 certification typically takes 6-12 months. Factors affecting timeline: current compliance state, target maturity level, organization size, IT complexity, resource availability. Early planning and implementation critical for meeting contract deadlines.
CMMC builds on NIST 800-171 adding maturity processes and third-party certification. NIST 800-171: Self-attestation, 110 controls, no maturity processes, no certification requirement. CMMC: Third-party certification, 110 controls (Level 3) plus additional practices (Levels 4-5), maturity processes required, certification mandatory for DoD contracts. CMMC Level 3 includes all NIST 800-171 controls plus maturity processes. CMMC adds certification requirement ensuring contractors actually implement controls. Organizations with NIST 800-171 compliance have foundation for CMMC Level 3 but need maturity processes and certification.
C3PAO (CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization) is accredited organization authorized to conduct CMMC assessments. C3PAOs accredited by CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB). C3PAOs employ Certified CMMC Assessors (CCAs) and Certified CMMC Professionals (CCPs). To find C3PAO: Check CMMC-AB marketplace listing accredited C3PAOs, verify C3PAO accreditation status, confirm assessor qualifications, request quotes from multiple C3PAOs, select C3PAO based on experience, availability, and cost. Glocert helps contractors prepare for C3PAO assessment and can recommend accredited C3PAOs.
Glocert provides: CMMC gap assessment evaluating current state against requirements; Implementation support implementing controls and processes; Readiness assessment preparing for certification; Level determination identifying required level; SSP development creating required documentation; POA&M management addressing gaps; C3PAO assessment support during certification; Continuous monitoring maintaining compliance. Expertise in CMMC framework, NIST 800-171 controls, DoD requirements, and defense contractor cybersecurity. Experience helping DoD contractors achieve CMMC certification. Proven track record of successful certifications and DoD contract access.
Why Choose Glocert for CMMC?
DoD Cybersecurity Expertise
Glocert specializes in CMMC compliance with deep expertise in CMMC framework and maturity levels, NIST 800-171 controls and implementation, DoD cybersecurity requirements, defense contractor environments, and C3PAO assessment process. We understand DoD expectations helping contractors achieve practical compliance meeting certification requirements while supporting business operations.
Proven CMMC Experience
We've successfully helped DoD contractors achieve CMMC certification including prime contractors, subcontractors, defense suppliers, and organizations across defense supply chain. Experience demonstrates ability to deliver comprehensive CMMC compliance meeting certification requirements and enabling DoD contract access.
Related Services
DoD contractors requiring CMMC often need complementary services. Glocert also provides NIST 800-171 compliance (foundation for CMMC Level 3), ISO 27001 certification, penetration testing and security assessments, and incident response planning. We coordinate multiple engagements providing integrated cybersecurity governance addressing CMMC alongside other requirements.
Achieve CMMC Certification
Contact us to learn about our CMMC compliance services and protect your DoD contracts with cybersecurity certification.
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