Even mature organizations are deferring formal certification until a DFARS clause demands it. This “wait until it’s required” mindset is deeply entrenched, even when internal teams are pushing to move forward.
There are over 70 authorized C3PAOs listed on the CyberAB Marketplace, but not all have completed formal CMMC Level 2 assessments. Even fewer have experience in high-complexity environments like multi-site operations or cloud-native architectures. Coalfire Federal has dozens of completed and scheduled assessments for companies of all sizes and complexities. If you're ready but haven't booked, you're competing for limited qualified capacity even with a team as large as ours. The longer you wait, the more crowded the field becomes.
In many organizations, readiness teams have done their job, but the business side is still saying, “Let’s wait.” Whether it’s budget, perceived risk, or confusion about program status, executive hesitation is a real blocker. We encourage internal IT and compliance teams to share recent data regarding breaches within the DIB along with the cost of recovery as a realistic and meaningful way to put the cost of compliance in perspective. We have heard many people say compliance does not equal security and it is true that compliance isn’t a replacement for an effective cybersecurity program but we are yet to support a company with CMMC compliance preparations who were not more secure at the end of the engagement.
Contractors worry about being early. Not just in terms of timeline, but visibility. They ask:
Even with strong programs, these concerns can stall progress. In reality, the first ones to get assessed have felt a great sense of relief and accomplishment and are recognized as leaders.
Passing a mock assessment and passing a formal CMMC assessment aren’t the same. The formal process involves weeks of evidence prep, coordination, assessor Q&A, and executive participation. If you’re not already engaged with a C3PAO, the next step can feel heavier than expected. A quick call is free and can provide a sense of relief once you understand the roadmap.
We’ve seen organizations unintentionally stall after a strong sprint toward readiness. But staying sharp requires effort, and readiness has a shelf life.
Use these internally to validate that your team isn’t just ready, but that they are assessment-ready.
“Show us how access is provisioned for a new user and how you validate that access aligns with their job role.”
“Where are your system logs stored, and how often are they reviewed? Can you show recent evidence of those reviews?”
“Show us your baseline configuration documentation. When was it last updated and how do you verify compliance across assets?”
“Demonstrate how MFA is enforced for remote access to your CUI environment and how that enforcement is monitored.”
“Describe the last real incident you handled. Where is the documentation, and how did lessons learned affect your plan?”
“Do you prevent remote activation of collaborative devices like webcams? Show us how this is enforced on company-issued laptops.”
These questions aren’t theoretical. They’re representative of the scrutiny your team will face during a formal assessment. Practicing now ensures your documentation, processes, and people hold up under pressure.
We’ve assessed cloud hyperscalers, prime contractors, and niche manufacturers. The consistent theme? The gap between ready and certified is where things quietly unravel, especially when teams assume they’re done.
If you’re ready but uncertified, now’s the time to act. We can help you maintain assessment readiness, lock in a certification window, or pressure-test your environment with fresh eyes.
Coalfire Federal is one of the most experienced C3PAOs in the ecosystem and the first to conduct multiple certified CMMC Level 2 assessments. Whether you’re ready to schedule or need a quick recheck to boost confidence, we’re here to help you cross the finish line.
Many defense contractors wait for a DFARS clause to mandate certification before acting. This “wait until required” mindset is common, but it can backfire once C3PAO schedules fill up. Taking proactive steps to begin your CMMC certification process helps ensure you’re not caught in the rush when certification becomes a contract requirement.
You can view approved C3PAOs on the CyberAB Marketplace. However, not all are performing full CMMC Level 2 assessments yet. Qualified assessors book quickly, especially for complex environments like multi-site or cloud-native operations. Contacting a C3PAO assessment partner early helps lock in your preferred window.
Many contractors perform required security tasks but struggle to prove them. The key is strengthening your “evidence muscle” by practicing assembling artifacts that clearly show compliance over time. Using assessor-style prompts and evidence checklists, like those in our CMMC readiness review guide, can help teams stay documentation-ready.
A readiness or mock assessment helps identify gaps, but a formal CMMC Level 2 assessment requires full evidence collection, assessor Q&A, and executive participation over several weeks. Understanding this heavier lift and working with an experienced C3PAO assessment team ensures your team is prepared for the real thing.
Readiness can fade over time. If your last preparation was over six months ago, recalibrate with a short-form readiness check. Continue internal drills using CMMC-style assessor questions, review system configurations, and verify that your controls haven’t drifted. Staying engaged keeps you assessment-ready and avoids rework later.