Achieving CMMC Compliance
With the changing cybersecurity threats, regulations that businesses must follow to safeguard sensitive information also change. If you work with the Department of Defense (DoD) or hope to, compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is becoming a make or break requirement. As a trusted IT solutions provider Solvere One is ready to assist businesses in this complex landscape and achieve CMMC compliance with ease.
What is CMMC?
The DoD’s framework to protect the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) against growing cyber threats is the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. CMMC combines and enhances prior guidelines, including NIST 800-171, and adopts five maturity levels to assess an organization’s cybersecurity posture.
DFARS 252.204-7012 directs CMMC compliance and its primary purpose is to ensure protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI). The framework also includes best practice for managing cybersecurity risk in supply chains.
When Does CMMC Go Live?
Introduced in November 2021, CMMC 2.0 simplifies earlier iterations of CMMC without losing the core purpose. After rulemaking is complete in November 2023, the CMMC framework will be fully implemented into contracts in Q1 2025. As a result, businesses without CMMC accreditation will be unable to start work on DoD contracts. The timeline for implementation is 12 to 18 months for most companies with 50 to 100 employees.
The Cost of CMMC Compliance
Compliance costs can vary significantly based on an organization’s size, existing cybersecurity infrastructure, and chosen implementation strategy. Typical expenses include:
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GAP Analysis: $8,000 – $15,000
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Accreditation Costs: $15,000 – $50,000
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Soft Costs: Licensing, cloud services, and governance documentation
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Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Often exceeding $60,000 for companies with 5 to 100 employees
These costs can be large, but the cost of non-compliance can be even larger. This violates Public Policy and it risks getting the organization to lose contracts, be penalised for charges under the False Claims Act, or suffer reputational damage. Fines can go as high as five times the contract value, as in Verizon’s $2.7 million settlement.
Steps to Achieve Accreditation
It takes a lot of preparation and a great deal of execution to achieve CMMC accreditation. The process includes:
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Asset Documentation: IT assets should be cataloged, and it should be determined which ones manage CUI and FCI.
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Initial Assessment: Carry out a detailed analysis of the cybersecurity practices being used today.
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Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M): Present a roadmap that addresses deficiencies.
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System Security Plan (SSP): Safeguarding sensitive data’s policies and procedures are defined.
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Document Traceability: Use traceability matrix track supporting documents.
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Testing and Mock Assessments: Do annual risk assessment and prepare for formal evaluation.
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Accreditation Assessment: Official review should be scheduled with Certified Third Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO).
With Solvere One’s team of IT professionals, businesses can avoid costly missteps and delays at these steps
Why Businesses Need Expert Guidance
Meeting the complex set of technical and administrative requirements for CMMC compliance is a challenge many organizations struggle to meet alone. Expert IT guidance from Solvere One offers several advantages:
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Tailored Solutions: Solvere One develops your specific customized compliance strategy, based on your specific needs.
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Streamlined Documentation: Documentation is crucial and Solvere One makes sure every little detail matches up with CMMC standards.
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Technical Expertise: Solvere One’s experts cover all aspects of CMMC requirements from securing networks to implementing access controls.
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Ongoing Support: Achieving compliance is not a one time only thing. The continuous monitoring and updates for maintaining the accreditation are provided by Solvere One.
What Is The Role Of MSPs For CMMC Compliance?
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are key for businesses going through the CMMC process. If the MSP handles CUI, the organizations seeking certification must include the MSP in the scope of assessments. However, Solvere One also provides services to align MSP practices with CMMC requirements and keep businesses compliant through all operations.
Further, if your MSP hosts CUI data, you may also have to meet Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FEDRAMP) Moderate or equivalent standards. Additionally, Solvere One can help businesses navigate the overlapping certifications to make the journey to compliance as easy as possible.
Resources for CMMC Compliance
Solvere One leverages a wealth of resources to assist businesses, including:
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DoD OCIO: The official guidance from the Department of Defense’s Chief Information Officer.
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Cyber AB Marketplace: Certified professionals and accreditation organizations, to which you have access.
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NARA CUI Registry: Insights into how to handle and categorize CUI
Wrapping Up
Compliance with CMMC is not just regulatory hurdle but opportunity to improve your organization’s cybersecurity posture and get competitive advantage in the defense contracting market. Doing so with the right partner makes compliance manageable and cost effective.
With Solvere One’s proven expertise, businesses are able to meet the tight requirement of CMMC while focusing on their core business. Compliance challenges shouldn’t stand in your way. Secure your future in the defense industrial base by contacting Solvere One today!