6 Reasons to Take Action on CMMC Certification Now
As the Department of Defense (DoD) progresses toward finalizing the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 framework, businesses within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) must act swiftly to ensure they are compliant with the updated standards. CMMC 2.0, which is expected to be finalized by November 2024, introduces a streamlined framework with three control levels designed to safeguard sensitive data including Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Why should you get in line for a CMMC 2.0 assessment now, and what are the risks if you wait? Keep reading to find out.
The urgency of CMMC 2.0 compliance
Once CMMC 2.0 is finalized, it will become a non-negotiable requirement for all entities engaged with the DoD, including prime contractors and their subcontractors. Contractors must obtain CMMC certification under one of the three trust levels to demonstrate that they have adequately implemented cybersecurity measures. For organizations that fall into CMMC Levels 2 and 3, an audit is not just a recommendation — it is a necessity.
The stakes are high. Because CMMC certification will be required to continue working with the DoD, non-compliance could result in a catastrophic loss of business. Delaying action could jeopardize your organization’s ability to secure future contracts and maintain existing ones.
Why you shouldn’t wait to get in line for a CMMC 2.0 assessment
Sure, CMMC compliance is important once the rule is finalized, but why should you sign a contract before rulemaking is complete?
1. Bypass the mad dash to find an available C3PAO.
There are currently less than 60 accredited CMMC Third Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) available to assess the roughly 80,000 organizations that will need certification. As the demand for these assessments increases following the finalization of CMMC 2.0, it’s likely that C3PAOs will be overwhelmed with audit requests, creating long waitlists and potential delays. If you secure your spot in the assessment queue now, you can avoid the rush and ensure that your organization isn’t left scrambling to find an available assessor.
2. Pick the best assessor.
Acting early allows you to choose an experienced, high-quality assessor rather than settling for whoever is available. Working with a seasoned assessor increases the likelihood of a smooth certification process and ensures that your organization’s unique compliance needs are fully addressed. Companies like A-LIGN can provide comprehensive support beyond just CMMC certification, acting as a single provider for all your compliance needs.
3. Lock in a favorable price.
As demand for CMMC assessments rises and the number of available assessors decreases, the ability to negotiate pricing will diminish. By getting ahead of the curve, you can lock in a competitive price for your assessment and avoid the financial strain of last-minute certification efforts.
4. Ensure complete CMMC readiness.
The process of preparing for a CMMC 2.0 audit is complex and time-consuming, potentially taking up to 12 months depending on the current state of your cybersecurity practices. Starting early gives you time to undergo a CMMC readiness assessment. This mock audit allows you to identify and remediate any gaps in your cybersecurity framework before the formal assessment, increasing the chances of passing on the first try.
5. Gain a competitive advantage.
Achieving CMMC 2.0 certification before your competitors not only secures your position within the DoD supply chain but also enhances your reputation as a reliable partner. Prime contractors will likely prioritize subcontractors who have already secured their certification, reducing project risks associated with non-compliance. Early certification can give you the upper hand in winning contracts and retaining existing business.
6. Avoid business disruption and contract losses.
Delaying your certification could lead to significant business disruptions, particularly as CMMC 2.0 becomes a contract requirement. Prime contractors will begin demanding proof of compliance from their subcontractors, and failure to provide this could result in lost contracts or delays in renewals. Acting now minimizes the risk of these disruptions and ensures that your business remains competitive and compliant.
Get in the CMMC queue with a top federal assessor today
The transition to CMMC 2.0 marks a significant shift in the cybersecurity landscape for DoD contractors. Although the final rule is still pending, the time to act is now.
A-LIGN is here to guide you through the complexities of CMMC 2.0 compliance. As one of the first authorized C3PAOs with extensive experience in federal assessments, we can help you navigate the path to certification.
Contact us today to secure your spot in our CMMC certification queue and learn how we can support all your compliance needs.
