The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a mandatory requirement for all Department of Defense (DoD) contractors. It builds on widely recognized frameworks such as DFARS and NIST 800-171, incorporating their best practices while adding the requirement for a third-party assessment to validate reduced cybersecurity risk—an area where Technology Architects can assist you.
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Conduct a Readiness Assessment
Start with a comprehensive readiness assessment to evaluate your current level of compliance and identify areas needing immediate attention. This step will help you determine your existing CMMC level and develop a strategic roadmap to reach your desired or required level of certification.
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Remediate and Prepare
Create a detailed remediation plan that includes:
- Specific areas requiring attention
- Prioritization of identified gaps
- Timelines for completion
- Estimated costs
- A process for tracking progress toward compliance milestones
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Implement Detection and Alerting
CMMC Level 4 and Level 5 require robust capabilities for detecting and responding to threats. If you don’t yet have an advanced alerting and response system, now is the time to implement one. This is critical for demonstrating real-time threat awareness and response effectiveness.
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Develop a System Security Plan (SSP)
An SSP is a foundational document for CMMC compliance. It outlines all security controls in place across systems that store or transmit Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This documentation is not optional—it’s a formal requirement for certification.
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Evaluate Internal Resources
Do you have the in-house expertise necessary to meet compliance requirements? If not, it’s important to engage a third-party partner like Technology Architects early in the process to ensure your systems are properly configured and secured.
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Engage Your Supply Chain
If you work with subcontractors or suppliers, engage them in the compliance process. Make sure they are on track to meet their own CMMC requirements. Gaps in your supply chain can jeopardize your compliance status, so collaboration is key.
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Stay Agile
Achieving compliance is only the beginning. Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and CMMC is designed to ensure that contractors remain agile and prepared to defend against emerging risks.
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Stay Informed
New guidance and updates related to CMMC are released regularly. Staying current is essential. We recommend bookmarking the CMMC FAQ from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment as a reliable source of up-to-date information.
Technology Architects is a Registered Provider Organization (RPO) accredited by the CMMC governing body. We specialize in supporting small to mid-sized businesses through a practical and proven approach to compliance.
Contact us today to learn how our three-step process can help you achieve and maintain your CMMC certification.
