The Department of Defense (DoD) is moving away from self-certification models, creating new challenges for companies that supply the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). CMMC certification is now mandatory for all DoD contractors, ensuring that cybersecurity practices are fully integrated into an organization’s operations.
Before the CMMC, vendors and contractors could self-certify using the NIST 800-171 framework. While CMMC builds on NIST 800-171 and other cybersecurity frameworks, it goes further by emphasizing integrated cybersecurity processes and practices, rather than just a checklist of requirements.
Unlike previous models, the DoD now requires organizations to obtain certification from a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). In this article, we’ll explain how to choose the right partner to guide your organization through the CMMC certification process.
The Model Basics
This section provides a concise overview of CMMC certification. For more detailed guidance, check out other articles on our blog.
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is structured as a tiered framework with five ascending levels of cybersecurity maturity. Each level includes both processes and practices, which together define what your organization must do to achieve certification.
- Practices are the actionable controls, the “to-do” list required to meet each level’s standards.
- Processes reflect how well these practices are integrated into daily operations, ensuring cybersecurity becomes a natural part of your organization’s workflow.
Successfully achieving CMMC certification depends not only on completing the practices but also on embedding these processes into your organizational culture. Because this integration can be complex, the DoD requires assessment by a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) to ensure an objective evaluation of your cybersecurity maturity
Choosing the Right Partner
Achieving CMMC certification successfully depends on two key factors:
- Your organization’s ability to integrate cybersecurity practices into daily operations.
- Selecting a partner who can guide and support this integration effectively.
It’s important to choose a partner who is unbiased and experienced, rather than someone who simply tells you what you want to hear. An objective partner ensures your organization meets the DoD’s cybersecurity requirements and strengthens your position within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).
Here are the most important qualities to look for when selecting a partner for CMMC certification:
Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO)
A critical requirement for achieving CMMC certification is working with a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). Without C3PAO accreditation, a partner is not authorized to conduct official CMMC assessments.
Currently, the DoD has not yet released the full C3PAO certification process. RSI Security is actively preparing for C3PAO accreditation, and it’s never too early for organizations to begin a consultation , especially since companies still need to maintain NIST 800-171 self-certification in the meantime.
Partnering with a qualified C3PAO ensures that your organization receives an unbiased, authoritative evaluation of your cybersecurity practices and readiness for CMMC certification.
Hire an Assessor With a Cybersecurity Background
While C3PAO accreditation is essential, it does not guarantee that a partner is the best fit for your organization. To ensure a successful CMMC certification, it’s important to work with an assessor who has a strong cybersecurity background.
Not all C3PAOs have the same expertise. A partner specializing in cybersecurity, rather than general IT services, is better equipped to:
- Identify gaps in your current security posture
- Align your practices with DoD requirements
- Integrate cybersecurity processes effectively into your organization
A specialized assessor brings a deeper understanding of CMMC certification requirements and the broader cybersecurity landscape, ensuring your organization is fully prepared for the assessment. At RSI Security, our team combines C3PAO knowledge with extensive cybersecurity expertise to help organizations meet DoD standards efficiently and effectively.
Reputation
When selecting a partner for CMMC certification, reputation is a critical factor. A trustworthy cybersecurity organization will prioritize your organization’s best interests, providing guidance that ensures you meet and exceed DoD expectations.
Reputable partners not only help you achieve certification efficiently but also strengthen your overall cybersecurity posture. Because CMMC certification evaluates both processes and practices, working with a partner known for integrity and proven results is essential for a successful assessment.
Prior Framework Knowledge
When choosing a partner for CMMC certification, it’s essential to select one with experience in the frameworks that form the foundation of the CMMC model. The two most important are:
- NIST 800-171: the cybersecurity framework currently required by the DoD for contractors in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB)
- DFARS: the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation, which establishes regulatory requirements for DoD contractors
While the CMMC model draws from additional frameworks and regulations, these two are the core references. A partner with hands-on experience in NIST 800-171 can help ensure your organization meets the necessary standards efficiently and effectively.
Although self-certification is still possible under NIST 800-171, CMMC now requires certification from a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). Partnering with an experienced assessor ensures the certification process is conducted correctly and positions your organization for a successful CMMC certification.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right partner for CMMC certification doesn’t have to be complicated. When evaluating potential partners, focus on these key qualities:
- C3PAO Accreditation: Ensure the assessing organization is officially certified to conduct CMMC assessments.
- Cybersecurity Expertise: Prioritize partners with a strong cybersecurity background, not those offering it as a secondary service.
- Reputation: Work with a partner known for integrity and proven results to maximize effectiveness.
- Framework Experience: Verify experience with NIST 800-171 and DFARS, which form the foundation of CMMC requirements.
While there may be additional qualities relevant to your organization or the level of certification required, a trustworthy partner should excel in these areas.
Whether your organization is pursuing CMMC certification or looking to improve overall cybersecurity maturity, RSI Security is a partner you can trust. With years of experience navigating frameworks and regulations, we help organizations meet DoD standards efficiently. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get started on your path to certification.
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