Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification

What contractors need to know about CMMC compliance

The Department of Defense (DOD) developed the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) to ensure its supply chain partners maintain an adequate level of security maturity to protect federal contract information (FCI) and controlled unclassified information (CUI). Contractors and subcontractors are now required to prove they have the proper measures to protect DOD data when bidding on and executing defense contracts. Companies must begin preparing their systems now to meet the updated requirements for certification.

CMMC readiness is about more than just implementing controls to achieve compliance. Defense Industrial Base (DIB) members must understand the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements in their DOD contracts, including flow-down responsibilities for their supply chain. They must adequately train their workforces and properly mark CUI under applicable laws, policies, and contract requirements.

Preparing for CMMC 2.0

Beginning in December 2024, a phased implementation of the updated requirements, CMMC 2.13, will go into effect. The fundamental changes from CMMC 1.0 are as follows:

As opposed to requiring all DOD contractors to undergo third-party assessments for compliance, most contractors (Level 1 and a subset of Level 2) may perform annual self-assessments and affirmations.
Furthermore, organizations may meet some CMMC Level 2 requirements via third-party assessments triennially.
Lastly, triennial assessments of Level 3 programs conducted by government officials are required.
In addition, all organizations seeking assessment (OSA), regardless of CMMC level, must complete annual affirmations and upload them into the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS).
While CMMC 2.13 eliminates many documentation requirements associated with the maturity processes, adequate documentation still plays a significant role in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-171 implementation required for CMMC certification.

Steps Contractors Need to Take Now

Implement NIST 800-171 standards across the organization. All DOD contracts with a DFARS 252.204-7012 clause now require compliance with NIST 800-171.
Self-Attest. The Department of Justice (DOJ) intends to hold entities or individuals accountable if they knowingly misrepresent their cybersecurity practices.

Why 蘑菇视频 Allen?

蘑菇视频 Allen was among the first firms to become an authorized CMMC Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO).
Our security experts are trusted in the U.S. government鈥檚 most sensitive systems and by Fortune 500 corporations worldwide.
As a trusted advisor to the DOD, we have worked closely with the federal government to establish and refine the CMMC framework since its inception.
We bring proven expertise in all 14 CMMC domains, uniquely qualified talent, and intelligence-grade cyber tradecraft to our customers.
Our consultants have worked with the DOD Chief Information Officer鈥檚 Office, the epicenter of CMMC inside the Pentagon, to guide its roll out.
Additionally, 蘑菇视频 Allen鈥檚 architects are working on building CMMC eMASS, which will store CMMC assessment reports and company certificates for the entire DIB.
蘑菇视频 Allen鈥檚 comprehensive services improve a company鈥檚 cybersecurity maturity, safety, and compliance with the CMMC framework.

How 蘑菇视频 Allen Can Help

We deliver comprehensive CMMC solutions and consulting services for every phase of your journey to CMMC compliance.

CMMC Readiness

Our highly trained CMMC-AB-designated CMMC Certified Assessors (CCA), CMMC Certified Practitioners (CCP), and Registered Practitioners (RP) have years of assessment experience and deep expertise in regulatory compliance. To help organizations prepare for their C3PAO certification assessment, 蘑菇视频 Allen offers a wide array of readiness services, including:

A readiness review

Our consultants will examine required CMMC program documentation, such as the system security plan, to verify all required elements (e.g., system boundaries, operating environment, connections, and practice implementation.)

Evaluation of implementation

Using the CMMC Assessment Guide, our professionals will audit your implementation of required practices to ensure your system security plan (SSP) accounts for all assessment objectives.

Organizational artifact review.

Our team will review your organization鈥檚 artifacts (e.g., policies and procedures) for potential evidence demonstrating compliance with CMMC controls.

Additional readiness assessment services include:

Gap analysis. We identify areas that need improvement.
Road mapping. We provide actionable steps to close identified gaps.
SSP creation. We develop plans to achieve objectives.
Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&M). We will update or produce these materials to reflect your readiness to defend DOD data.
Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score. We will generate a score based on your company鈥檚 current CMMC compliance.
Expert advice and guidance. We can provide expert advice on maintaining compliance through the development of governance and continuous monitoring programs or other remediation efforts.

CMMC Assessments (C3PAO)

蘑菇视频 Allen has extensive experience providing comprehensive, secure solutions to government and commercial clients. As a C3PAO, we offer the following services:

Pre-assessments

To help identify preparedness for an official CMMC assessment, we conduct pre-assessments just like an official CMMC assessment. These are carried out by our team of highly skilled and experienced CMMC Certified Assessors (CCA). The pre-assessment evaluates each practice and process to determine compliance with CMMC standards per the CMMC Assessment Guide. Once complete, 蘑菇视频 Allen provides a pre-assessment report outlining findings and overall organizational preparedness.

CMMC assessment

This assessment determines the satisfaction and maturity of each practice and process by following the Cyber AB Assessment Guide and using the CMMC verification criteria to prove compliance for certification. 蘑菇视频 Allen will provide an assessment report and issue the appropriate CMMC certificate to your organization for the specified certification if there are no deficiencies. We will also deliver a copy of the assessment report and certificate to DOD.

In addition to CMMC training, our team has significant assessment experience and qualifications in similar compliance areas such as the Federal Risk and Assessment Management Program (FedRAMP), the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA), DOD鈥檚 Risk Management Framework (RMF), and the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) certification.

Whatever the challenge, 蘑菇视频 Allen can help ensure you are prepared for your C3PAO assessment and up to date on the changes CMMC 2.13 will require. To get started on your CMMC journey,聽contact us.

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