Whether you’re a prime contractor or part of the defense supply chain, CMMC is now mandatory—and failure to comply means lost business. With deadlines approaching and audits tightening, you need more than a checklist. You need a trusted partner who understands what’s at stake.
At S3 Security, we help defense contractors and subcontractors meet CMMC requirements with clarity, speed, and confidence. As both a Registered Practitioner Organization (RPO) and an authorized Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO), we bring over 25 years of cybersecurity experience to simplify your path to certification so you can stay competitive, win contracts, and move your business forward.
CMMC compliance extends beyond prime DoD contractors. Subcontractors, cloud service providers, MSPs, and any third party handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) are now in scope.
At S3 Security, we understand what’s at stake: your contracts, your clients, and your reputation. That’s why we go beyond assessments. We act as strategic advisors, helping you:
Our seasoned assessors and engineers possess decades of hands-on experience in cybersecurity and federal compliance frameworks. From initial readiness to full Level 2 certification, we’re here to guide you through every phase.
Let us help you move beyond requirements and turn compliance into a business advantage.
Level 1 & Level 2 Self-Assessments
Effective December 16, 2024
If you’re bidding on new DoD contracts today, you’re already required to complete a self-assessment. We’ll help you validate your controls, close gaps, and organize your documentation so you’re ready when it counts.
Level 2 C3PAO Assessments
Effective December 16, 2025
Third-party certification will become mandatory for Level 2. As an authorized C3PAO, S3 Security can deliver your official assessment—or support your preparation through mock audits and targeted remediation support.
Level 3 and NIST SP 800-172
Effective December 16, 2026
The most advanced level of CMMC introduces 24 additional controls for organizations handling the most sensitive defense information. We can help you determine if this applies to you and guide you through preparation for DIBCAC review.
At this point, the rollout will be complete with all CMMC requirements incorporated into any new solicitations.
CMMC isn’t just another regulation, it’s a revenue gate. To win or maintain DoD contracts, you need a clear understanding of what’s required, when it’s required, and how to respond efficiently. At S3 Security, we don’t just walk you through the rules, we help you navigate the realities and stay ahead of what’s next.
Here’s what the phased rollout means for your business and how we help at each stage.
The final rule requires contractors to document the role of External Service Providers (ESPs) in their System Security Plan (SSP), especially if those services help meet CMMC requirements. These providers will also be subject to control assessments. Additional guidelines apply to cloud service providers (CSPs), which must meet FedRAMP Moderate or equivalent requirements.
Yes. Many companies choose to narrow the scope of their CMMC environment by segmenting systems or isolating their DoD-related infrastructure. One effective strategy is establishing a CUI enclave: a defined environment where Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is stored, processed, and transmitted. However, this approach only works if you have a clear understanding of your data flows and where CUI resides across your environment.
Technical debt and outdated infrastructure can complicate compliance, particularly for smaller organizations. A CMMC gap assessment can help prioritize where to invest for the greatest impact. On the business side, executive buy-in is essential, since compliance often requires reallocating time, budget, and internal resources. Leadership support is critical to long-term success.
Plans of Actions and Milestones (POAMs) are allowed for some controls, giving organizations time-bound opportunities to resolve issues. However, POAMs are not allowed for Level 1 controls and must lead to full control implementation, not just a reduction in risk. S3 Security can help you develop a remediation plan that’s practical, prioritized, and audit-ready.
CMMC requires ongoing commitment, not just a one-time assessment. Organizations must designate a senior official to regularly attest that all applicable requirements are implemented and maintained. S3 Security can help you establish sustainable processes that support long-term compliance and simplify ongoing attestations.
CMMC introduces operational, technical, and organizational challenges—especially for companies managing both commercial and defense contracts. Here are a few of the questions we help clients answer every day.
Not quite ready for a consultation? We’re still here to help.
5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CMMC ASSESSMENTS
The Path to CMMC Readiness
With over 25 years of industry leadership, our assessors and engineers possess deep technical knowledge and proven success across regulated environments. We maintain active certifications with key federal and industry organizations, and we’re proud to be both a Registered Practitioner Organizations (RPO) and an authorized Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO).
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