The short answer? Readiness is about preparation. The C3PAO assessment is about validation.
Let’s break down what each step involves and how IBSS can help you move confidently from preparation to certification.
What Is CMMC Readiness?
CMMC readiness refers to the process of preparing your organization to meet the requirements of your applicable CMMC level before you undergo a formal assessment.
At this stage, your goal is to:
- Understand the scope of your compliance obligations.
- Identify gaps between your current practices and the required controls (especially NIST SP 800-171 for Level 2).
- Develop documentation, including a System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M).
- Implement missing controls and harden your security posture.
- Demonstrate your ability to sustain compliance over time.
Why Readiness Matters
Most DoD contractors won’t pass a C3PAO assessment without first completing readiness activities. This step ensures you’ve identified and addressed deficiencies before they become disqualifying. It’s also your opportunity to streamline your environment, train your team, and make informed decisions about tools, processes, and policies before the pressure of a formal assessment.
What Is a C3PAO Assessment?
A C3PAO assessment is a formal third-party evaluation conducted by an authorized body to determine whether your organization meets the requirements of CMMC Level 2.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Pre-assessment planning and scoping
- Review of your SSP, policies, and procedures
- Verification of control implementation and effectiveness
- Interviews with staff (e.g., HR and technical personnel)
- Evidence collection and analysis
- Final scoring and reporting to the Cyber AB and DoD
This assessment is typically valid for 3 years, though continued compliance is expected and may be subject to future review.
CMMC 2.0: Who Needs What?
You should determine your organization’s desired assessment level based on business goals and objectives related to DoD contractual support. Find the guidance below for each assessment level.
- Level 1: Appropriate if your organization only plans to provide support related to processing, storing, or transmitting federal contract information (FCI).
- Level 2 (self-assessment): Appropriate if your organization only plans to provide support related to processing, storing, or transmitting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) that is not included in the National Archive’ s CUI Registry Defense Organizational Index Grouping.
- Level 2 (C3PAO assessment): Appropriate if your organization only plans to provide support related to processing, storing, or transmitting CUI that is included in the National Archive’ s CUI Registry Defense Organizational Index Grouping.
- Level 3 (DIBCAC assessment): Appropriate if your organization only plans to provide support related to processing, storing, or transmitting CUI that requires enhanced protections described in NIST SP 800-172.
The IBSS Advantage: Start with Readiness, End with Results
IBSS is a CMMC-certified assessment provider with decades of experience in federal cybersecurity. We help DoD contractors prepare for certification with a clear, structured, and actionable approach to compliance.
When you partner with us, you gain:
- A tailored readiness roadmap built for your environment.
- Expert support in aligning with NIST SP 800-171.
- Guidance on documentation, technical control implementation, and risk mitigation.
- Honest feedback on where you stand and what it’ll take to get certified.
- A seamless transition to the C3PAO assessment, with fewer surprises.
Don’t wait for a contract deadline to discover you’re not ready for CMMC. Book your CMMC Readiness Call today or send us an email at CMMCC3PAO@ibsscorp.com to start the path toward certification with a team that knows the process inside and out.
About IBSS
Since 1992, IBSS has provided transformational consulting services to the Federal defense, civilian, and commercial sectors. Our services include cybersecurity and enterprise information technology, environmental science and engineering (including oceans, coasts, climate, weather, and satellite), and professional management services.
Our approach is to serve our employees by investing in their growth and development. As a result, our employees bring greater capabilities and provide an exceptional level of service to our clients. In addition to creating career development opportunities for our employees, IBSS is passionate about giving back to the community. We strive to leave something better behind for the next generation.
We measure our success by the positive impact we have on our employees, clients, partners, and the communities we serve. Our tagline, Powered by Excellence, is a recognition of the employees that make up IBSS and ensures we deliver results with quality, applying industry best practices and certifications. Read more About Us.
Keywords: CMMC, C3PAO, DoD Requirements
