CMMC C3PAO Assessment Services
Not all assessments are equal.
With a rigorous and complex preparation process, the last thing you want is to have your formal CMMC C3PAO assessment performed by an inferior partner that delays compliance and increases cost.
Coalfire Federal:
- understands every environment requires a custom approach.
- ensures your readiness with mock assessments.
- delivers accurate, verifiable results that are on-time and within budget.
That kind of knowledge and ability is why organizations across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) rely on Coalfire Federal, one of the first CMMC Third-Party Assessor Organizations (C3PAO). to perform their official CMMC Certification Assessment.
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Coalfire Federal CMMC (C3PAO) Assessment Services
Get directions from someone who has already been where you need to go. Coalfire Federal leverages experience as a C3PAO to help you effectively achieve CMMC Certification. Our suite of services includes:
CMMC Mock Assessment
Unofficial, comprehensive assessment which mirrors the CMMC C3PAO assessment. Designed to help you predetermine the likely outcome and your team’s readiness during an official CMMC C3PAO assessment.
C3PAO Assessment
Official C3PAO Assessment, recognized by the Cyber AB and Department of Defense, to determine CMMC Level compliance.
What is the CMMC Assessment Process?
For some levels of CMMC 2.0, an official C3PAO assessment conducted by a CMMC Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) is required by the Department of Defense (DoD).
A C3PAO is an independent service provider that audits defense contractors to verify their CMMC compliance efforts. The C3PAO forwards its findings to the DoD, which then issues the certification.
All prospective C3PAOs must receive authorization from the Cyber-Accreditation Body (Cyber-AB), a not-for-profit organization serving as the DoD’s certification partner. A C3PAO is a service provider organization that the Cyber-AB has accredited and authorized to conduct CMMC C3PAO assessments and submits findings and certify that Organizations Seeking Certification (OSCs) comply with the CMMC 2.0.
Contractor begins the assessment process by selecting a C3PAO to conduct their assessment.
The C3PAO assigns a Certified Assessor (CA) who works with the contractor’s sponsor and other key points of contact to review the scope of the assessment, complete a contract, and schedule the C3PAO assessment.
The C3PAO assessment begins with assessment planning and a Conformity Assessment Readiness Review (CARR) to verify your organization’s readiness.
A kick-off session starts the formal Conformity Assessment and then followed by one or more days during which the C3PAO assessment team conducts interviews and reviews documentation and evidence. The number of days depends on the desired certification level.
The C3PAO assessment team evaluates each practice, following guidelines and criteria established by the DoD and grades it either pass or fail.
The C3PAO assessment team then summarizes its findings and prepares a Conformity Assessment report that is reviewed directly with you.
If your organization passes, the C3PAO issues your certification. The C3PAO then uploads your results, pass or fail, to DoD.
CMMC Assessment FAQs
Please note that this FAQ is a summary and should be used in conjunction with the
official CMMC documentation for precise guidance and compliance instructions.
What is the purpose of a CMMC assessment?
A CMMC assessment is designed to evaluate an organization’s adherence to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework. It assesses the implementation of cybersecurity practices to ensure compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) requirements.
Why is a CMMC assessment necessary for federal contractors?
A CMMC assessment is crucial for federal contractors as it determines the organization’s cybersecurity maturity level. It is a prerequisite for bidding on DoD contracts, ensuring that contractors handle sensitive information with the highest cybersecurity standards.
What levels of CMMC assessments does Coalfire Federal offer?
Coalfire Federal offers assessments for CMMC certification Level 2. Our experienced assessors work closely with organizations to evaluate and verify their cybersecurity practices based on the specific requirements of each level.
How does Coalfire Federal approach CMMC assessments?
Our approach involves a comprehensive evaluation of your organization’s cybersecurity controls, policies, and procedures. We assess your current state of compliance, identify gaps, and provide actionable recommendations to achieve and maintain CMMC certification level 2.
Can Coalfire Federal assist in preparing for a CMMC assessment?
Yes, our experts offer preparatory services to help organizations get ready for CMMC assessments. This includes readiness assessments (mock assessments), CUI boundary analysis, gap analysis, and guidance on implementing necessary cybersecurity measures to meet the requirements of the CMMC framework.
How long does a typical CMMC assessment take?
The duration of a CMMC assessment varies based on the organization’s size, complexity, and the desired certification level. Our assessors work efficiently to minimize disruption to your operations while ensuring a thorough evaluation.
What should I expect during a CMMC assessment with Coalfire Federal?
During the assessment, our team will review your organization’s cybersecurity practices, policies, and evidence of implementation. We may conduct interviews, document reviews, and on-site visits as necessary to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
What happens after a CMMC assessment is completed?
After the assessment, the Coalfire Federal C3PAO assessment team then summarizes its findings and prepares a Conformity Assessment report that is reviewed directly with you.
Is there ongoing support after the assessment for maintaining CMMC compliance?
Yes, Coalfire Federal offers a roadmap for support in maintaining CMMC compliance. Our team provides guidance on addressing identified gaps, updating documentation, and implementing necessary changes to ensure continuous adherence to the CMMC framework.
How can I schedule a CMMC assessment with Coalfire Federal?
To schedule a CMMC assessment, simply reach out to our team. We will work with you to understand your specific needs and initiate the assessment process tailored to your organization’s requirements.