CMMC Readiness: C3PAO Assessment Services Sheet

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.

Not all assessments are equal.

For defense contractors and those within their supply chains, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) process can be a challenging, technically rigorous endeavor. Selecting the right assessor with the necessary domain, IT, and cybersecurity experience is critical to achieving certification in an efficient and timely manner. You need an assessor who can understand the unique factors of your environment, your security controls, and your business processes. That kind of knowledge and ability is why organizations across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) rely on Coalfire Federal, one of the first fully authorized CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAO).

What is the CMMC Certification Process?

Official CMMC Certification recognized by the DoD is achieved through a partnership with a C3PAO. A C3PAO is an independent service provider authorized by the Cyber-AB to assess DIB organizations’ conformance with CMMC’s requirements. Once an assessment is conducted, the C3PAO forwards its findings to the DoD and issues the certification.

Seven Steps to CMMC Certification

1. You begin the assessment process by selecting a C3PAO, such as Coalfire Federal, to conduct their assessment.
2. The C3PAO assigns a Certified Assessor who works with you, and other key points of contact, to review the scope of the assessment, complete a contract, and schedule the assessment.
3. The assessment begins with initial planning and a Conformity Assessment Readiness Review (CARR) to verify your organization's readiness.
4. A kick-off session starts the formal Conformity Assessment, followed by one or more days during which the assessment team conducts interviews and reviews documentation and evidence. The number of days depends on the desired certification level.
5. The assessment team evaluates each practice, following guidelines and criteria established by the DoD, and grades those practices either pass or fail.
6. The assessment team then summarizes its findings and prepares a Conformity Assessment report that is reviewed directly with you.
7. If your organization passes, the C3PAO issues your certification. The C3PAO then uploads your results, pass or fail, to DoD.

Why Choose Coalfire Federal for Your CMMC Certification?

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.

As one of the first Certified Third-Party Assessor Organizations and as a defense contractor also subject to CMMC regulations, Coalfire Federal is uniquely qualified to perform your CMMC Certification. We’ve been we’re you’re going, and our team will provide you with accurate, objective, and trusted assessments to achieve your authorized CMMC Certification.

We’ve Crafted a Two-stage Program that Provides a Clear Path to Certification

CMMC Mock Assessment

A practice test conducted exactly like a formal CMMC Certification assessment, only results aren’t reported. Note, this is not an advisory service but an unofficial, comprehensive assessment that mirrors the CMMC Assessment. It’s designed to help you predetermine the likely outcome and your team’s readiness during an official CMMC Assessment.

C3PAO Assessment

Official C3PAO Assessment, recognized by the Cyber AB and Department of Defense, to determine CMMC Level compliance.

Not Quite There Yet?

If you’re not 100% confident you can complete and pass a CMMC Certification Assessment, you probably aren’t ready! Rather than jump right into the assessment process, many organizations choose to prepare for the process by analyzing their current security tools and practices, and then take steps to optimize their organizational readiness. As a compliance-first business with a rich heritage in cybersecurity, we also have a complex understanding of the cloud and its role in accelerating the CMMC process. Coalfire Federal can help you prepare for the CMMC Certification Assessment and guide you smoothly through the process.

Learn more about Coalfire Federal's C3PAO Assessment Services here.