CMMC Compliance Starts Here. Compass Gets You Certified.Start Here →

Why CMMC Creates Real Business Risk

CMMC introduces a single, enforceable standard for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information, and it directly determines who can compete for DoD contracts. The risk is widespread: recent data reveals that only 4% of contractors are currently prepared for certification, with the average organization starting at a failing negative score. CyberSheath State of the DIB Report, 2024

Unclear Execution Paths

Organizations understand which CMMC level applies but struggle to translate requirements into actionable, audit-defensible controls.

NIST 800-171 Implementation Gaps

Security controls exist but are inconsistently implemented, partially deployed, or insufficiently documented to withstand assessment scrutiny.

Documentation Shortfalls

SSPs, POA&Ms, policies, and supporting evidence are incomplete, outdated, or misaligned with how systems operate.

Competing Priorities

CMMC requirements collide with active contracts, production demands, and limited internal security and compliance resources.

Fragmented Ownership

No single party is accountable for aligning IT, security, and compliance efforts into a cohesive, defensible program.

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CompassMSP CMMC Jumpstart Roadmap: Assess, Implement, and Validate

The Compass Approach: Structured CMMC Readiness

This is where most organizations get stuck. 

CMMC determines whether aerospace and defense manufacturers remain eligible for Department of Defense contracts. CompassMSP’s CMMC Jumpstart is a fixed-scope engagement designed to help organizations establish audit readiness with clarity, structure, and control.

This approach translates CMMC and NIST 800-171 requirements into concrete actions, aligned documentation, and validated controls without unnecessary complexity or long-term lock-in.

  • Horizon 1: Visualize & Assess

    Establish scope, clarify risk, and define a defensible starting point for CMMC compliance.

    We analyze how Controlled Unclassified Information moves through your environment, confirm which CMMC level applies, and define clear enclave boundaries. Existing security controls are assessed against CMMC and NIST 800-171 requirements to identify gaps that would impact audit outcomes.

    Confirmed compliance scope and applicability

    CUI data flow and enclave definition

    NIST 800-171 and CMMC gap assessment

    Clear, defensible baseline for remediation planning

  • Horizon 2: Architect & Implement

    Build compliant systems, aligned controls, and audit-ready documentation.

    We design and implement a secure enclave aligned to CMMC requirements, deploy required technical and administrative controls, and harden systems to meet assessor expectations. All required documentation is developed and structured to support audit evidence and validation.

    Secure enclave architecture and control implementation

    System hardening aligned to audit criteria

    SSP, POA&M, policies, and procedures development

    Evidence structure aligned to assessor review

  • Horizon 3: Validate & Maintain

    Confirm control effectiveness and sustain audit readiness over time.

    We conduct internal pre-assessments, validate control performance, and ensure documentation and evidence remain aligned. SPRS scoring is supported and ongoing compliance oversight is maintained through the Secure Path GRC platform and Compass CMMC Pod support.

    Internal CMMC pre-assessment validation

    Verified control and evidence alignment

    SPRS score accuracy and improvement support

    Continuous compliance oversight to reduce assessment risk

CMMC Applicability Review

We determine which CMMC level applies based on contract scope, data handling, and risk exposure.

Baseline & Readiness Assessment

We assess current controls against CMMC and NIST 800-171 requirements to establish a defensible starting point.

Gap Analysis & Risk Prioritization

We identify control gaps, process weaknesses, and documentation issues that would fail an assessment.

Remediation Planning

Clear, prioritized actions designed to close gaps efficiently without unnecessary tooling or disruption.

Documentation & Evidence Development

We build and maintain SSPs, POA&Ms, policies, procedures, and supporting evidence aligned to auditor expectations.

Ongoing Oversight & Advisory

CMMC requirements evolve. We provide continuous guidance to keep your organization aligned over time.

CMMC Readiness & Pre-Assessment Support

Assess your current posture, identify gaps, and confirm readiness before a formal CMMC assessment.

Talk to a CMMC Advisor

NIST 800-171 Alignment & Validation

Align technical controls, processes, and documentation to NIST 800-171 requirements that underpin CMMC Level 2.

Validate Your Alignment

Security Policy & Procedure Development

Build clear, audit-aligned security policies and procedures that reflect how your environment operates.

Build Audit-Ready Policies

SSP and POA&M Creation & Maintenance

Develop and maintain System Security Plans and POA&Ms that withstand assessor scrutiny and stay current over time.

Get Documentation Support

Control Implementation Guidance

Design and deploy required technical and administrative controls aligned to CMMC and audit expectations.

Implement Required Controls

Audit Preparation & Evidence Management

Prepare for assessment with structured evidence collection, validation, and pre-assessment review.

Prepare for Assessment

Employee Security Awareness Training

Train employees on security responsibilities tied to CMMC requirements and controlled information handling.

Strengthen Security Awareness

Executive Advisory via vCISO Services

Gain strategic guidance, accountability, and executive-level oversight for CMMC and cybersecurity decisions.

Work with a vCISO

Ongoing CMMC Compliance Management

Maintain alignment as systems, users, and requirements change to reduce audit risk and compliance drift.

Maintain Compliance Confidence
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Registered CMMC Expertise You Can Rely On

CompassMSP is a Registered Practitioner Organization (RPO) certified by the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body (The Cyber AB). That designation means our team is authorized to guide organizations through CMMC readiness using approved practices that align with assessor expectations.

We handle the heavy lifting, from gap assessments to remediation oversight, so your internal teams stay focused on operations. Our approach combines deep cybersecurity expertise with practical execution, meeting organizations where they are and moving them toward a defensible, audit-ready compliance posture without unnecessary complexity.

 

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    Audit-Ready Posture

    Programs built to withstand assessor scrutiny.

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    Reduced Preparation Time

    Structured remediation shortens readiness timelines.

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    Fewer Assessment Findings

    Proactive gap management lowers corrective actions.

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    Clear Executive Visibility

    Leadership understands risk, status, and next steps at all times.

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Secure Your Federal Contract Eligibility

Federal compliance standards function as the ultimate gatekeeper for government revenue and future opportunities. Do not let overlooked certification gaps or documentation errors put your business at risk of losing contracts.
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Why Organizations Trust Compass for CMMC

CMMC requires both technical depth and practical judgment. Compass delivers both.

Security-First Foundation

Compliance anchored in real cybersecurity controls, not paperwork alone.

Pro-Serve Expertise

Hands-on guidance from vCISO and security advisors who understand audits and assessors.

Operational Fit

Programs designed to support contracts without slowing the business down.

Single Point of Accountability

One partner responsible for alignment, follow-through, and outcomes.

Healthcare

HIPAA, HITECH, breach forensics.

Protect Patient Data

Financial Services

NYDFS, PCI DSS, SOX, FINRA, forensic reporting.

Stay Audit Ready

Legal

SOC 2, GDPR, CCPA, eDiscovery forensics.

Safeguard Client Trust

Manufacturing & Logistics

CMMC, NERC CIP, supply chain compliance.

Secure the Supply

Insurance

PCI DSS, SOC 2, privacy audits.

Prove Compliance Fast

Construction

CMMC, NIST 800-171, ISO 27001, OSHA IT compliance.

Build Without Breach

Deadlines Are Closer Than They Look

The dates listed here are enforcement deadlines, not starting guns. Real-world remediation and evidence generation typically take 6 to 12 months to complete. Retroactive compliance is impossible. To meet the mandatory audit requirements for Phases 1 and 2, your preparation must begin today.

If you wait until a contract requires CMMC to start your journey, you have already missed the bid.

 

Phase Official Deadline What Changes Operational Reality
Phase 1 Nov 10, 2025 Self-Assessments Required:  Level 1 and Level 2 self-assessments begin appearing in new contracts as a condition of award. Your "Go" Date is Now. To sign a self-assessment in late 2025 without committing fraud, your SSP and SPRS scores must be accurate and defensible today.
Phase 2 Nov 10, 2026 Audits Become Mandatory:  Level 2 third-party assessments (C3PAO) become mandatory for many new contract awards. Evidence Gathering Starts Early 2026. Assessors require historical evidence that controls have been functioning over time. You cannot build a track record overnight.
Phase 3 Nov 10, 2027 Full Contract Expansion:  Level 3 requirements activate, and CMMC checks become standard options in all solicitations. High-Value Contracts at Risk. Primes will aggressively filter their supply chains well before this date to ensure their own eligibility is not compromised.
Phase 4 Nov 10, 2028 Total Enforcement: All applicable DoD contracts involving FCI or CUI require full CMMC compliance. Zero Tolerance. At this stage, lack of certification results in immediate exclusion from the Defense Industrial Base.

FAQs

Answers to CMMC Compliance Services

A quick guide to how CMMC works, what’s required, and how CompassMSP supports certification readiness.

What CMMC levels do you support?

CompassMSP supports CMMC Level 1 and Level 2 certification preparedness based on contract requirements, data scope, and assessment expectations. These levels apply to organizations handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Do you help with NIST 800-171 compliance?

Yes. NIST 800-171 is foundational to CMMC Level 2, and our approach is built around aligning technical controls, processes, and documentation to NIST 800-171 requirements in a way that holds up under assessment.

Can you prepare us for an upcoming CMMC assessment?

Yes. We support organizations through readiness assessments, gap remediation, documentation development, and pre-assessment validation to ensure controls and evidence are aligned with assessor expectations before a formal review.

Do you replace our internal IT or security team?

No. CompassMSP works alongside internal IT, security, and operations teams, providing structure, expertise, and accountability while enabling your team to remain owners of the environment.

What determines how complex our CMMC effort will be?

CMMC scope and effort are influenced by how CUI flows through your environment, the size of your enclave, existing control maturity, and documentation quality. Our approach focuses on reducing unnecessary scope while maintaining compliance integrity.

Do you provide support after certification?

Yes. CMMC requires ongoing control effectiveness and documented oversight. We help organizations maintain alignment as systems, users, and requirements evolve to reduce the risk of regression.

How does CMMC connect to cybersecurity services?

CMMC is built on real cybersecurity practices. CompassMSP aligns compliance requirements with day-to-day security operations, ensuring controls are practical, enforceable, and defensible rather than paper-based.

Who is CMMC required for?

CMMC applies to defense contractors and subcontractors that handle FCI or CUI as part of Department of Defense contracts, including organizations throughout the Defense Industrial Base supply chain.

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Jan 19, 2026 9:14:16 PM

CMMC 2.0: The Small Manufacturer’s Guide to Defense Contracts

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CUI-CON - February 11-13, 2026

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The Hidden Cost of Skipping Compliance Gap Analysis

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Managed vs. Co-Managed IT: Which Support Model is Right for Your Business?

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Minimum Security Standards: What Every CEO Needs to Know

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Stay Eligible. Stay Confident.

CMMC changes how defense contractors compete. Compass turns compliance into a structured, defensible program that protects contracts today and prepares you for what comes next.

Our Locations

We support businesses across the U.S. through strategically placed offices and virtual service hubs. From coast to coast, CompassMSP delivers hands-on local expertise with the power of a nationally integrated technology team.

Recognition and Achievements

Global Partner Awards 2025 - Badges - Seals and eSigs - SEAL - Managed Security Partner of the Year (1)

CompassMSP Named Sonicwall's 2025 Managed Security Partner of the Year

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CompassMSP Ranked in CRN's Managed Service Provider 500

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CompassMSP Listed in the Channel Partners MSP 501 Rankings

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CompassMSP Named to Business Rate's 2024 Best of Computer Support and Services List

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CompassMSP Named as Barracuda's MSP of the Year in 2024

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CompassMSP Ranked in CRN's Tech Elite 250

Inc Regionals NE 2025

Inc. Names CompassMSP to 2025 List of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the Northeast

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CompassMSP Named to CRN's Solution Provider 500 List

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CompassMSP Named to the 2025 Channel Company MES Midmarket 100 List

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