Accelerate Your CMMC Readiness
CMMC is a GO Will you be ready?
YOUR TRUSTED CMMC READINESS TEAM
WE KNOW CYBERSECURITY
WE KNOW CMMC
We’ve performed countless NIST SP 800-171 Assessments and created fastpaths to compliance. We don’t drop off a gap report and run. We produce prioritized action plans and have all the resources and tools required to get your organization ready quickly.
As the Department of Defense (DoD) tightens its cybersecurity requirements, achieving Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is now crucial for all contractors and subcontractors within the defense supply chain.
Our CMMC Readiness Assessment and Remediation Services are designed to help your organization navigate these requirements with ease and confidence.
CMMC Compliance Requirements
To be eligible to work on defense contracts, your organization will need to comply with the security controls and undergo assessments as per the diagram below.
The Importance of CMMC Compliance
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) was established by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) within the defense industrial base. Given today’s escalating cyber threats, compliance with CMMC standards is not just a requirement—it’s essential for maintaining and securing DoD contracts. The latest CMMC 2.0 framework simplifies the path to compliance but also underscores the urgency for companies to act now. With a limited number of Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) and readiness assessors, demand is high, and delays are inevitable for those who wait.
1
Level 1: Foundational
For organizations that work with Federal Contract Information (FCI) only. It requires compliance with basic safeguarding requirements and procedures, such as ensuring employees regularly change their passwords. This level also includes 17 NIST SP 800-171 Rev2 controls. Though this level only requires self assessment many organizations are finding that additional expertise is necessary.
2
Level 2: Advanced
For organizations that work with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). It requires compliance with all 110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev2 controls, including intermediate cyber hygiene practices like email security. This level will include an institutionalized System Security Plan (SSP) to implement these practices.
3
Level 3:
Expert
For organizations that work with CUI and are subject to Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). It requires compliance with over 110 requirements outlined in NIST SP 800-171 and 800-172, including advanced cybersecurity processes that are implemented, reviewed, and updated across the enterprise. This level also requires organizations to establish, maintain, and resource a System Security Plan (SSP).
If your organization handles FCI or CUI, then you are required to comply at one of the following levels. Note that DFARS 7020 requires prime contractors to flow down security requirements to their subcontractors, including CMMC mandates. So even if your organization is far down the DIB supply chain, you are still subject to CMMC requirements. The rationale behind this is that subcontractors can be an easier path to breaching primary contractors. As such subcontractors have become a favorite target for cyber criminals. Raising cybersecurity levels throughout the entire supply chain is one of DoD’s key goals for the CMMC program.
The CMMC model is designed to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) that is shared with contractors and subcontractors of the Department through acquisition programs.
-
FCI is information not intended for public release and is provided by or generated for the government under a contract to develop or deliver a product or service to the government.
-
CUI is information that requires safeguarding or dissemination controls pursuant to and consistent with federal law, regulations, and government-wide policies.
-
A readiness assessment compares your security controls to the CMMC control requirements and produces a System Security Plan and POAMs stating what your organization needs for compliance. The Compliance Assessment is performed by a C3PAO organization who’s job is to provide actual certification. C3PAOs cannot provide readiness advice, and Readiness Assessments cannot provide actual certification.
While CMMC Level 2 follows the same NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 standard, it requires an external C3PAO assessment once every three years. The current self attestation is no longer sufficient to meet the new requirement.
Organizations that don’t meet all 110 NIST 800-171 controls will be permitted to create Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms) indicating how and when the unmet controls will be met. POA&Ms are time-bound and provide the organization with 180 days to meet all requirements. If the deadline is not met, an organization must start the CMMC certification process over again.
POAMs are the DoD’s way to acknowledge that compliance is not an overnight task. It typically requires significant time and resources.
FAQs
CMMC READINESS EVALUATION
What is a CMMC Readiness Evaluation?
Pillar's CMMC Readiness Evaluation ensures your organization is well-prepared for the certification process, identifying gaps and providing actionable recommendations to meet control standards and improve your cybersecurity posture.
The CMMC framework is complex, encompassing multiple levels of cybersecurity maturity.
Failing to comply can result in lost contracts and diminished business opportunities.
CMMC Readiness Evaluation
Comprehensive
Gap Analysis
Customized
Remediation &
Action Plan
Remediation
Readiness
Validation
4
3
2
1
Thorough Review:
Our experts perform an in-depth analysis of your current cybersecurity practices against the CMMC requirements.
Detailed Report:
Receive a comprehensive report highlighting areas of non-compliance and risks, with clear recommendations for remediation.
Strategic Roadmap:
Pillar brings together all aspects of security from tools and engineers to policies and CISO level expertise.Expertise & Resources:
Resource Allocation:
Guidance on allocating resources efficiently to optimize your cybersecurity investments.
Expertise & Resources:
Pillar brings together all aspects of security from tools and engineers to policies and CISO level expertise.
Practitioner Perspective:
Working with organizations across nearly every sector, we know the shortcuts and shortcomings to accelerate your program.
Readiness Validation:
Our CMMC certified experts ensure your team is ready for your compliance audit.
CMMC Certification:
Pillar works closely with compliance assessors to ensure the quickest path from readiness to compliance.
Why Choose Pillar?
Expertise
Our team comprises seasoned cybersecurity professionals, from the server room to the board room, with extensive experience in CMMC requirements and implementation.
We Get You Ready
Our Assessment methodology emphasizes training your team on how to respond during your Compliance Assessment and includes a Readiness Validation (Mock Assessment). Your readiness is built-in to our priority
Remediation Leadership, Resources and Tools
We have the expertise, tools, and resources to implement security solutions. We close
security gaps quickly and cost effectively.
Proven Track Record
We have successfully guided numerous organizations through the NIST compliance process and have tools and skills to accelerate the process,
Holistic Approach
Our comprehensive approach covers all aspects of CMMC compliance, from technical
controls to policy and procedure development. We view security beyond compliance.
.png)
Pillar gets you there faster
Pillar’s team is comprised of business, technical, security and industry experts. They are further informed by our Cyber Defense Intelligence and Cyber Lab which stay abreast of the latest attacks, threat techniques and game-changing tools to defend against them. This deep knowledge and combination of skillsets allows for quick discovery and targeted recommendations.
Call 678-304-9099 to schedule your assessment today
CMMC JUMPSTART REVIEW
BEGIN with a clear path to compliance
Pillar’s CMMC JumpStart Review provides you with a solid understanding
of the path to CMMC Compliance. Invest a few hours of your time to discover how to accelerate from current state to compliance.
If you’re not sure where to start,
Pillar’s complimentary CMMC JumpStart Review can answer all your questions.
DON’T LET CMMC STOP YOUR REVENUE STREAM
Beat the Rush
Current CMMC Deadlines are fast approaching, but the number of Certified Third-Party Assessor Organizations (C3PAOs) is very limited. Significant wait times are expected. The sooner you begin readiness, the faster you can get in line for an assessment.
CMMC Compliance Can be your Security Advantage
Prime contractors will be looking for subcontractors who are CMMC compliant. Your CMMC Readiness puts you ahead of your competition.
When does the CMMC Requirement take effect?
While CMMC requirements have been evolving over time, a deadline has been set.
Beginning December 16, 2024, all DoD contracts will require bidders to be CMMC certified to perform work outlined in contracts. Note: Bidders can bid on work before becoming compliant, but will not be allowed to begin work until compliant. Since this is the case, there will be an obvious preference for bidders who are already compliant or well underway with that process
AUG
2024
Title 48
Proposal Rule
Published
SEP
2024
Title 32
CMMC Rule
Becomes Final
OCT
2024
Title 32
CMMC Final Rule Published
DEC 16
2024
CMMC
Rule Becomes
Effective
JAN
2025
CMMC C3PAO
Assessments
Begin
EARLY TO MID
2025
CMMC
Codified in
DFARS With Title 48 Rule