CMMC Consulting

CMMC Level 1 (Foundational) establishes basic cybersecurity hygiene by requiring essential safeguards to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI). Building on this foundation,

Level 2 (Advanced) aligns closely with NIST SP 800-171 and requires organizations to implement more comprehensive, documented security controls to safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), typically involving third-party assessments.

Level 3 (Expert) goes even further by introducing enhanced requirements designed to defend against advanced persistent threats, including stronger monitoring, incident response capabilities, and advanced security practices, with government-led assessments for high-priority defense contractors.

If you’re unsure which level applies to your organization, contact us to assess where your business stands and develop a clear path toward compliance.

CMMC 1.0 was the original framework that consisted of five cybersecurity maturity levels with best practices and processes that needed to be met. On the other hand, CMMC 2.0 eliminates two of the five maturity levels to streamline the process and provide clearer guidance for organizations.

Overall, CMMC 2.0 is a more flexible and straightforward framework that not only simplifies the certification process but also improves the overall security for the businesses in which it is implemented. 

NIST 800-171 are self-assessed  security measures for non-federal organizations that handle controlled unclassified information (CUI). While the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) serves as the mandatory security framework and requirements for all companies doing business with the Department of Defense (DoD). A set standard of cybersecurity verifications to bid on government contracts, both prime & sub. The CMMC framework builds upon the NIST 800-171 standards.  

Unfortunately, NIST 800-171 measures were self-assessed with no third party-certification process and no way to truly prove compliance.

With cyber security threats on the rise and increasing concern for data and intellectual property theft – the DOD knew strict requirements were needed.

As a result, the government created the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) to serve as the mandatory security framework that expands upon the NIST 800-171 standards.

It includes independent licensed Certified 3^rd Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs). And, includes additional requirements with levels of certification depending on your particular government bid or contract.

These requirements mean there are now regulated security standards for your business. Giving you the ability to bid on government contracts with a competitive edge over others. Beyond improving overall security of your organization, there is greater trust with your customers knowing data is protected. Safeguarding valuable information is your top priority and as cybercriminals advance their tactics, your business remains ahead of the curve!

CMMC compliance is a journey to improve your overall cybersecurity structure.

Once you have had your security framework reviewed, remediated and with all documentation requirements in place — it is time to move forward to achieve you desired level of certification.

Then, you will choose a third party C3PAO to conduct the CMMC assessment. 

You have shown that your company has the necessary security measures to protect both Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in line with the CMMC framework. Which means you will now be able to bid and win government projects.

But compliance does not stop there. You must continue to stay up to date and maintain security measures. In addition, you will be subject to audits to confirm you are still meeting the requirements. Which is why our CMMC consulting takes the guesswork out on your end, so you can focus on what you and our business do best!