A good C3PAO will do more than review your System Security Plan and evidence. They’ll help you navigate the certification process with clarity and confidence. The wrong one? Could cost you time, money, and contract eligibility.
Before you sign on, here are five essential questions to ask your C3PAO to ensure you’re working with a qualified, experienced, and fair assessment partner.
1. Are You Authorized by the Cyber AB and Listed on the CMMC Marketplace?
This is non-negotiable. Only C3PAOs listed on the Cyber AB Marketplace are officially authorized to perform CMMC Level 2 assessments. Make sure your assessor has active, up-to-date credentials.
Red flag: If the organization can’t point you to their Cyber AB listing, they’re not authorized, no matter what they promise.
2. What Is Your Experience With NIST SP 800-171?
CMMC Level 2 is grounded in NIST SP 800-171. A qualified C3PAO should have deep experience with these 110 security requirements, not just in theory, but in real-world environments.
Ask:
- How many assessments have you supported?
- Have you worked with companies in our industry or of our size?
- Do you understand common infrastructure and resource limitations?
3. What’s Your Assessment Process Like, Start to Finish?
The best C3PAOs offer clear timelines, transparent communication, and a structured process that aligns with your readiness.
Ask for details such as:
- How far in advance should we schedule?
- What evidence will you review?
- How do you handle questions or findings during the process?
- What’s the timeline for receiving a recommendation?
You want a partner who keeps you informed, not one who leaves you guessing.
4. How Do You Handle Conflict of Interest and Objectivity?
C3PAOs are required to remain independent from any consulting or remediation services tied to your assessment. If your provider offers both, they must follow strict conflict of interest protocols.
Ask:
- How do you ensure assessment objectivity?
- Are you offering any services that might present a conflict?
Transparency here matters. The Cyber AB and DoD is paying close attention.
5. What Happens if We Don’t Pass the First Time?
Not every organization passes on the first try. A qualified C3PAO will explain:
- How the assessment report works.
- What’s included in a Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M).
- The timeline for remediation and reassessment.
- Your options to respond or appeal findings.
Choosing a C3PAO Is a Partnership
Whether you’re preparing for your first assessment or looking for a smoother path after a gap analysis, IBSS is here to make your experience clear, efficient, and outcomes-driven. We don’t just know the rules, we help you build a cybersecurity culture that lasts.
Book your CMMC Readiness Call today or email us 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, NIST SP 800-171, Cybersecurity
