Preparing for a CMMC Level 2 assessment requires a lot of steady, and well-thought-out planning. Whether you choose to tackle CMMC internally (without help) or whether you are on the lookout for the right compliance partner to guide you through this complex and high-stakes process. Either of those options aren’t one to be taken lightly. In a recent episode of Climbing Mount CMMC, hosts Kaleigh Floyd and Bobby Guerra unpacked one of the most overlooked risk a contractors can face: relying on external service providers (ESPs) or managed service providers (MSPs) who don’t truly understand CMMC.
One of the clearest themes from the conversation was this: not all providers are created equal. Many contractors assume their MSP will “handle CMMC,” only to find out too late that their compliance partner is actually learning alongside them. You might get moving, but you’re not being trained to win. That distinction matters when assessments, timelines, and contracts are on the line.
The Importance of Vetting
It’s vital that any provider supporting CMMC efforts must understand the controls at a referee level, not just a participant level. It’s not enough to know the language of NIST 800-171; providers must understand how controls are interpreted, evaluated, and enforced during an assessment. Without that depth, guidance becomes guesswork. And guessing for CMMC will never turn out in your favor.
Vetting potential providers is a vital piece of your compliance puzzle. You should be asking direct questions, like:
- Have you supported clients through a CMMC Level 2 assessment?
- Can you explain how specific NIST 800-171 controls are assessed?
- What tools and processes do you use to manage compliance over time?
Take Your Documentation Seriously
Equally important is documentation. A clear customer responsibility matrix (CRM) is essential for CMMC compliance. Without it, assumptions creep in. For example, when the client thinks the provider owns a control, and the provider thinks the client does, and those gaps will appear right where assessors will look first. Clear agreements that define roles, responsibilities, and boundaries protect both sides and reduce surprises during assessment.
Compliance Is Always On-going
CMMC is not a one-and-done exercise. Contractors should ensure their provider has a clear, realistic plan for ongoing compliance. This means not just getting through the assessment but maintaining readiness year after year. Settling for a provider who is “figuring it out as they go” often means paying twice: once in dollars, and again in lost time. (And maybe even again in dollars.)
The takeaway is simple but critical: ask the hard questions upfront. Choose a provider who has already walked the path, understands the rules of the game, and can coach you through every mile of the CMMC certification journey.
If you have any questions, reach out. Or check out our podcast channel.