Compliance Standards

Cybersecurity within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) is a matter of national security. That’s why the Department of Defense (DoD) requires contractors to meet strict standards under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). For many organizations, achieving CMMC Level 2 or higher may involve working with a specialized third party: a Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO). But what exactly does a C3PAO do?

The CMMC implementation timeline is no longer a distant concern for DoD contractors, it’s an urgent priority. The Department of Defense (DoD) is enforcing cybersecurity requirements through the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 framework, with all new contracts requiring compliance by 2026. At the same time, the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requires organizations to implement NIST SP 800-171 controls as the baseline for security.

Delaying CMMC implementation now puts contractors at risk of disqualification from future defense contracts, a risk that will only grow as competition intensifies.

If your business works with the Department of Defense (DoD) or operates within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), you’ve likely heard about CMMC certification. But understanding how to navigate CMMC 2.0—especially Level 2 assessments—requires working with a special kind of partner: a C3PAO. So, what exactly is a C3PAO, and why does it matter for your compliance journey?

Companies that want to work with the Department of Defense (DoD) must meet high cybersecurity standards to safeguard sensitive government data. As part of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), these companies are subject to rigorous compliance frameworks—including the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) —and must prioritize CMMC readiness early in the process.