CMMC Level 2 certification is moving closer to reality with the Department of Defense’s final rule clearing regulatory review. As the phased rollout begins, contractors across the Defense Industrial Base are realizing that one of the biggest challenges is not only becoming assessment-ready, but also securing an assessment date with a certified third-party assessment organization (C3PAO).
There are only a finite number of accredited C3PAOs, and each CMMC assessment requires careful scoping, planning, and execution. That makes scheduling a slow process. As demand builds, availability is tightening. Contractors that wait too long may discover that their preferred assessment windows are already filled.
CMMC Level 2 certification is not yet a requirement across every contract. However, as new solicitations include CMMC language, certification will serve as a gate to eligibility. For contracts where the requirement is included, contractors that cannot show evidence of a completed third-party assessment will be ineligible to bid. Securing an assessment date early helps reduce the risk of being shut out of new opportunities.
Even when contractors attempt to schedule, not all are assessment-ready. Gaps in technical controls, documentation, or practices can stall progress. Advisory firms can help organizations prepare for assessment, but accredited C3PAOs such as Coalfire Federal are bound by impartiality requirements and cannot advise companies they assess. This separation means contractors must close their gaps in advance to avoid costly delays or failed assessments.
The Department of Defense estimates thousands of medium and large entities will require CMMC Level 2 assessments over the next several years. While the rollout is phased, early demand is already creating pressure on C3PAO capacity. Contractors that move quickly will secure dates, while those that wait may face long lead times that put contract pursuits at risk.
The quiet race for assessment slots has started. Contractors that treat scheduling as a strategic priority will be better positioned to protect their contracts and compete for new opportunities as CMMC becomes part of defense acquisition.
Coalfire Federal is an accredited C3PAO trusted by contractors across the Defense Industrial Base. If your organization is prepared for certification, now is the time to secure your assessment date. Talk to an expert today.
