For defense contractors in Maryland, achieving CMMC C3PAO Level 2 certification is required to remain eligible for Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. Organizations that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must demonstrate that their systems meet the requirements of NIST SP 800-171 through an official CMMC assessment.
Once your organization has implemented the required controls and prepared the necessary documentation and evidence, an authorized C3PAO is required to conduct your certification assessment.
IBSS as Your Authorized C3PAO
As an authorized CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO), IBSS conducts official CMMC Level 2 assessments for organizations that are ready for certification. Our role is to independently evaluate your implementation against CMMC requirements and provide an objective determination of compliance.
IBSS does not provide readiness consulting or implementation services. Our focus is solely on delivering accurate, thorough, and efficient assessments for organizations that have already completed their preparation.
Why CMMC Certification Matters in Maryland
Maryland is a major hub for defense, intelligence, and cybersecurity contractors, supporting critical DoD missions across federal agencies, military installations, and national security programs. CMMC C3PAO Level 2 certification confirms that contractors are properly protecting CUI and meeting federal cybersecurity requirements.
Failure to achieve certification can result in:
- Loss of contract eligibility
- Delays in bidding or contract awards
- Additional costs associated with repeated assessments
For contractors that are ready, selecting the right C3PAO is a critical step in the certification process.
Maryland’s Unique Defense and Cybersecurity Landscape
Maryland plays a critical role in the nation’s defense and intelligence operations. The state is home to major military installations and federal agencies, including Fort Meade, and supports a dense network of defense contractors working in cybersecurity, intelligence, systems engineering, and mission support. Many Maryland-based contractors operate in highly regulated environments where the protection of CUI is foundational to daily operations. CMMC Level 2 certification is a signal to the DoD that your organization can be trusted to securely support national security missions. For Maryland defense contractors, achieving certification is a necessary step to remain competitive and continue supporting critical federal programs.
Our Role in the CMMC Assessment Process
- Official CMMC C3PAO Level 2 Assessments
IBSS conducts formal CMMC C3PAO Level 2 assessments for organizations that have implemented NIST SP 800-171 controls and prepared their System Security Plan (SSP) and supporting evidence. Our assessments are structured, thorough, and aligned with current CMMC assessment guidelines.
- Experienced, Authorized Assessors
IBSS assessors bring deep experience supporting DoD environments and federal cybersecurity programs. With more than 30 years of experience supporting federal missions, our team understands both the technical and operational expectations of a CMMC assessment.
- Efficient, Transparent Assessment Execution
Our assessment process emphasizes clarity, consistency, and accuracy. Contractors receive clear communication throughout the engagement and well-documented results that reflect their cybersecurity posture at the time of assessment.
- Understanding of Maryland’s Defense Contracting Landscape
With experience supporting organizations across Maryland’s defense and cybersecurity ecosystem, IBSS understands common system architectures, compliance challenges, and mission environments—helping assessments move forward efficiently and professionally.
Choosing IBSS for Your C3PAO Assessment
For Maryland defense contractors, CMMC C3PAO Level 2 certification is a critical milestone. IBSS delivers independent, objective assessments backed by federal experience and a clear understanding of the CMMC process.
By serving exclusively as an authorized C3PAO, IBSS helps contractors remain eligible for DoD contracts while building confidence in their cybersecurity compliance.
Request a CMMC Level 2 Assessment Slot or email us at C3PAO@ibsscorp.com to begin the certification process with a team that knows CMMC inside and out.
About IBSS
Since 1992, IBSS has provided transformational cybersecurity services to the Federal defense, civilian, and commercial sectors. IBSS is an Authorized C3PAO, a designation granted by The Cyber AB (CMMC Accreditation Body) under the guidance of the Department of Defense (DoD). This authorization confirms that our organization has successfully completed the rigorous process required to assess the cybersecurity posture of organizations within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) against the requirements of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
- Authorized by: The Cyber AB (Official Accreditation Body)
- Listing Verification: https://cyberab.org/Member/C3PAO-2829-Ibss-Corp
- Relevant Standards: C3PAO Authorization, CMMI SVC Level 3 and DEV Level 3, ISO 9001:2015 Certified Quality Management System, ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 Certified Information Technology Services Management (ITSM), ISO/IEC 27001-2022 Certified Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Compliance (in progress).
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Keywords: CMMC, Authorized C3PAO, DoD Requirements, NIST SP 800-171, Cybersecurity, DIB, Cyber AB
