Do you need a CMMC certification but don’t know where to start?
We can help. As an international IT consulting company with nearly 30 years of experience and a strong American foundation, we specialize in guiding clients to the best solutions. With us, you’ll gain a clear understanding of CMMC certification, the process involved, and how we can seamlessly guide you through it. Discover why we’re the trusted partner for businesses like yours.
CMMC Certification: What You Need to Know
What is CMMC?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework introduced by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure the protection of sensitive information across its supply chain. It establishes cybersecurity standards that contractors, subcontractors, and service providers must meet to secure Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). CMMC is divided into three levels, ranging from foundational safeguards to advanced protections, and it incorporates requirements from NIST Special Publications to counter evolving cyber threats. Certification involves self-assessments or independent evaluations, depending on the level, and is essential for working with the DoD.
Why Should You Care About CMMC Compliance?
If your organization handles DoD contracts or is part of its supply chain, achieving CMMC compliance might be essential. Contractors should first check their agreements for the following clauses: FAR 52.204-21 and DFAR 252.204-7012. The presence of FAR determines if CMMC Level 1 applies, while DFAR clauses dictate the applicability of CMMC Level 2. If neither clause is included in your contract, you are not currently required to be CMMC compliant.
However, for those required to comply, failing to do so can result in losing access to defense contracts. Beyond compliance, aligning with CMMC enhances your organization’s cybersecurity, safeguards sensitive information, and fosters trust with partners. Preparing for CMMC today positions your business for future opportunities in the defense sector while protecting against cyber threats.
CMMC Certification – is it for You?
Not Sure if You Should Care About CMMC Certification?
The key is to check if your contract includes the FAR 52.204-21 clause (pertaining to CMMC L1) or the DFAR 252.204-7012 clause (related to CMMC L2). It’s a good idea to carefully review your contract or talk to your Contracting Officer Representative (COR) to determine if either of these clauses currently applies or will apply to your contract in the future. If so, consider whether you might need assistance to achieve compliance or reach out to us for consultation.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Basics of CMMC Maturity Levels
Level 1 (Foundational)
ABOUT:
Focused on basic cybersecurity hygiene, Level 1 requires compliance with 15 controls outlined in FAR Clause 52.204-21 to safeguard Federal Contract Information (FCI). Organizations perform annual self-assessments, attested by a corporate executive. This level suits small businesses or new DoD contractors that do not handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Compliance must be achieved at the time of assessment, as the use of corrective action plans (POA&Ms) is prohibited.
APPLICABLE IF:
Your organization handles Federal Contract Information (FCI) but does not require safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Suitable for non-critical projects that focus on basic cybersecurity hygiene.
PROCEDURE:
Organizations complete annual self-assessments against 15 controls, ensuring all results are certified by a corporate executive.
Level 2 (Mature)
ABOUT:
Level 2 applies to organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and requires compliance with 110 controls from NIST SP 800-171. This level emphasizes documented processes, proactive risk management, and safeguarding CUI. Most contractors undergo triennial third-party assessments by CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs), with some eligible for annual self-assessments based on project sensitivity.
APPLICABLE IF:
Contracts involve Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The DoD determines whether a contractor requires a self-assessment or certification assessment, with most expected to undergo third-party assessments.
PROCEDURE:
Contractors must score at least 88 out of 110 to achieve conditional compliance. Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) are permitted but must be resolved within 180 days. Third-party assessments are mandatory for critical projects.
Level 3: (Advanced)
ABOUT:
Level 3 sets the highest standard, requiring compliance with 110 controls from NIST SP 800-171 and 24 advanced controls from NIST SP 800-172 to counter sophisticated threats. This level emphasizes precision, proactive risk management, and comprehensive protection of national security data.
APPLICABLE IF:
Your organization has achieved CMMC Level 2 compliance and is involved in top-priority, mission-critical defense projects requiring enhanced safeguarding of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Directio can assist companies in achieving Level 2 readiness, after which the DCMA Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC) will handle Level 3 assessments.
PROCEDURE:
To qualify, contractors must:
- Achieve a perfect score on Level 2 (110/110).
- Meet at least 20 out of 24 advanced controls from NIST SP 800-172.
Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) are permitted but must be resolved within 180 days to maintain compliance.
Do You Need Support for CMMC Compliance Requirements?
Navigating the CMMC process can be complex, especially with varying levels of certification required based on the sensitivity of data handled. If you’re unsure about the steps needed for compliance, working with a partner experienced in CMMC requirements can simplify the process and support your journey to certification.
CMMC Certification Process Basics
1
Assessment
2
Remediation
3
Certification
CMMC compliance doesn’t have to be complex
We’re here to transform the CMMC compliance maze into a clear path. Achieving CMMC compliance is critical, and Directio is here to make it manageable, offering tailored support from assessment to certification.
Angelo Pressello
CEO
Get Certified with Directio: The Details
- 1. Customer Questionnare
- 2. Compliance report
- 3. Remediation activities
- 4. C3PAO Audit
Directio establishes an Assessment Portal for you as a customer, creating a centralized platform to facilitate the CMMC assessment process and monitor progress. We begin by gathering critical information through a detailed customer questionnaire. This helps us understand your current cybersecurity posture and identify areas for improvement.
Directio utilizes the Assessment Portal to complete the Customer Questionnaire, gathering critical information needed to evaluate and advance the customer’s compliance status. Our team, along with our certified RPO (Registered Provider Organization) partner, analyzes your responses and generates a compliance report. This report includes recommendations tailored to your business to meet CMMC requirements.
If gaps are identified, our experts provide remediation support to address any cybersecurity deficiencies. This includes implementing controls, strengthening defenses, and preparing your organization for certification.
For Level 2 CMMC certification, we coordinate with a C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization) to perform the required audit. Our preparation ensures a smoother certification process and helps reduce overall costs.
Achieve Full CMMC Compliance with Expert Guidance – Get Started Now!
WHY DIRECTIO
Why Choose Us or Your CMMC Certification Journey?
Now, let us help you.
American Expertise with a Global Reach
Led by an American CEO Angelo Presello, a Fulbright scholar and member of AmCham, we combine deep knowledge of the U.S. market and IT realities with decades of consulting experience.
Decades of Proven Expertise
With nearly 30 years of global IT consulting experience, we’ve successfully guided businesses of all sizes through their most complex challenges.
Solutions for Every Industry
From finance to manufacturing, we work with clients across diverse industries, delivering solutions tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Compliance You Can Trust
Trusted by leading corporations, we specialize in navigating compliance requirements with precision and security at every step.
CMMC CERTIFICATION WITH DIRECTIO
What You Gain Working with Us
You know your business—we know what questions to ask. You don’t need to be an expert in cybersecurity or compliance requirements. Your job is to focus on your business, and our job is to help you do just that.
Clear Understanding and Simplicity of the Process
We provide step-by-step guidance, consultations, and support tailored to your needs. With years of experience in analyzing requirements and identifying gaps, we simplify even the most complex certification processes.
Full Compliance with Requirements
Through our certified RPO cybersecurity partner, we ensure your organization is fully prepared to meet every cybersecurity standard, delivering compliance with confidence.
Customized Approach for Your Needs
We understand that every business has its own unique challenges and goals. That’s why we adapt our strategies to fit your operations, delivering solutions that are both effective and aligned with your objectives.
Simplify Your CMMC Certification Journey – Start Today!
WHY WORK WITH US
Your Proven CMMC Service Provider
Directio’s Expertise
Directio brings decades of IT and consulting experience to the table. Partnering with trusted RPO experts, we guide your organization through every step of the CMMC certification process, ensuring compliance and readiness with precision and efficiency.
We assist Organizations Seeking Certification (OSCs) with comprehensive CMMC readiness assessments for Levels 1 and 2, offering practical recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
Trusted RPO Partnership
We collaborate with certified and accredited RPO who specialize in CMMC compliance. Based in the U.S., our partner meet all regulatory requirements, using advanced tools and expertise to address your cybersecurity needs.
Together, we deliver specialized tools and technology, accredited and certified CMMC RPO/Assessors based in the U.S. (meeting CMMC requirements), and ensure compliance with the mandatory U.S. company status for performing assessments.
Cost-Effective Certification
By facilitating C3PAO-led assessments, we streamline the certification process, ensuring your organization achieves compliance efficiently and effectively—while keeping costs under control.
Our services include: conducting thorough assessments, generating detailed reports, and offering industrial/OT remediation support and consulting as needed.
For Level 2 certification, we facilitate C3PAO-led assessments, ensuring your organization achieves compliance efficiently and effectively.
Start Your CMMC Certification Process Now
1
Initial Consultation
2
Project Planning
3
Kick Off
Do you have questions and need a trusted partner for CMMC certification?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A maturity model is a structured framework that organizations use to assess, develop, and improve their capabilities over time. It defines a series of levels or stages, each representing an increasing degree of sophistication, effectiveness, or compliance in a specific area, such as cybersecurity, process management, or organizational development. Each level builds on the previous one, providing a clear pathway for improvement and growth.
In the context of cybersecurity, a maturity model like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) ensures that organizations systematically enhance their security posture, aligning with best practices and regulatory requirements. It helps businesses identify gaps, prioritize improvements, and demonstrate accountability, making it an essential tool for maintaining resilience in a constantly evolving threat landscape.
CMMC 2.0, or Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, is a framework created by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure contractors meet specific cybersecurity standards to safeguard sensitive information.
Compliance is mandatory for securing and maintaining contracts with the DoD. It also strengthens your cybersecurity posture, reducing the risk of cyber threats.
All contractors and subcontractors working on U.S. government contracts requiring access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI).
CMMC has three levels:
- Level 1: Foundational (15 cybersecurity controls, self-assessed annually).
- Level 2: Advanced (111 controls, third-party assessments required).
- Level 3: Expert (highest-level, government-led assessments).
- Level 1 focuses on basic safeguarding and self-assessment.
- Level 2 involves rigorous third-party assessments by C3PAOs and applies to companies handling sensitive national security information.
- Level 3 (out of Directio’s scope) requires government-led assessments for critical defense programs.
Directio provides localized IT remediation support, assists with document translation, and ensures compliance with the required cybersecurity controls. We work closely with certified assessors to streamline your certification process.
An RPO (Registered Provider Organization) is an entity authorized by the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body (The Cyber AB) to provide advisory services to organizations preparing for CMMC certification. RPOs assist Organizations Seeking Certification (OSCs) with readiness assessments, gap analyses, and remediation strategies to help them achieve compliance with CMMC requirements.
Yes, Directio collaborates with a trusted RPO partner to deliver seamless support for your CMMC compliance needs. Our RPO partner is accredited and certified to provide expert guidance, ensuring your organization is well-prepared for assessments at Levels 1 and 2. Together, we combine expertise and technology to streamline the compliance process, offering a reliable and comprehensive service tailored to your organization’s requirements.
A C3PAO (CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization) is an independent, authorized organization accredited by The Cyber AB to conduct official CMMC assessments. These assessments determine whether an organization meets the necessary cybersecurity requirements to achieve CMMC certification, which is essential for companies working within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Through our trusted RPO partner, Directio collaborates with a certified C3PAO that utilizes established deliverables to streamline the CMMC certification process. By leveraging these resources, we efficiently address compliance requirements, reducing the time and effort needed for certification preparation. This approach significantly lowers costs for your organization by minimizing redundancies and focusing on targeted remediation. These proven tools and methodologies ensure that assessments and reports are comprehensive, while helping to optimize resources and achieve CMMC certification more cost-effectively.
Our team identifies gaps. We support remediation efforts to ensure compliance before reassessment.
The timeline depends on your current cybersecurity readiness and the level of compliance required. Level 1 can take weeks, while Level 2 may take months, including remediation activities.
Costs vary based on your organization’s size, the level of compliance required, and the extent of remediation needed.
Yes, we support the entire process, from assessment preparation to remediation. Once compliant, we connect you with C3PAOs for certification audits.
With extensive experience in IT services and a strong partnership with cybersecurity experts, we bring expertise, localized support, and a seamless compliance process tailored to your needs.
Contact Directio to schedule a consultation. We’ll assess your needs and create a tailored roadmap for achieving CMMC certification.
CONTACT
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