CMMC Compliance Without the Guesswork

CMMC is the gatekeeper for defense contracts, and failure to certify means losing eligibility to bid. CompassMSP translates complex requirements into a structured, audit-ready program that secures your revenue without overengineering your operations. This is compliance built for real audits and sustained operational readiness.

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Why Lack of CMMC Readiness 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SSPs, POA&Ms, policies, and supporting evidence are incomplete, outdated, or misaligned with how systems operate.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.

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

This horizon establishes a clear, defensible starting point for CMMC readiness. The focus is on understanding scope, risk, and applicability before any remediation begins. Compass analyzes how Controlled Unclassified Information moves through your environment, confirms which CMMC level applies, and defines clear enclave boundaries. Existing security controls are evaluated against CMMC and NIST 800-171 requirements to identify gaps that would impact an assessment.

Outcome:
A clearly defined compliance scope, documented CUI data flow, and a defensible baseline that guides remediation planning and reduces assessment uncertainty.
Horizon 2: Architect & Implement

This horizon focuses on building what CMMC requires, not overengineering what it does not. Compass designs and implements a secure enclave aligned to CMMC expectations, deploys required technical and administrative controls, and hardens systems to meet assessor scrutiny. All required documentation is developed and structured to reflect how the environment actually operates.

Outcome:
Aligned systems, controls, and documentation including SSPs and POA&Ms that are audit-ready, evidence-backed, and consistent with assessor expectations.
Horizon 3: Validate & Maintain

This horizon ensures readiness holds up over time. Compass validates control effectiveness through internal pre-assessments, confirms documentation and evidence alignment, and supports accurate SPRS scoring. Ongoing oversight is maintained through the Secure Path GRC platform and Compass CMMC Pod support to prevent regression as environments evolve.

Outcome:
Sustained audit readiness, reduced assessment risk, and continuous compliance confidence beyond a single certification event.

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

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.

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.

Secure Your Federal Contract Eligibility

Your ability to win federal work hinges on your certification status. Whether it's a missing document or an overlooked security control, the risk is real. Choose your path to readiness below to protect your revenue and your future.

Discover The CMMC Checklist Talk to an Expert

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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.

stop-guessing-start-strategizing-leaders-guide

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.

Compliance Expertise for Every Regulated Industry

Regulatory pressure is no longer limited to the defense sector. Whether you are protecting patient data under HIPAA, financial assets under NYDFS 500, or client trust under SOC 2, the cost of non-compliance is too high to ignore.

CompassMSP goes beyond basic support to deliver technology programs tailored to the specific regulations you are subject to. We understand the operational nuance of high-stakes environments (from healthcare and finance to legal and manufacturing) and design defensible security strategies that satisfy auditors without slowing down your business.

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

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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Cybersecurity

Jan 30, 2026 9:00:00 AM

CMMC Level 1 vs. Level 2: The Strategic Choice for Your Shop

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Events

Jan 26, 2026 8:00:01 AM

State of the Port 2026 - February 26, 2026

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Cybersecurity

Jan 19, 2026 9:14:16 PM

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

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Events

Jan 12, 2026 1:16:52 PM

CUI-CON - February 11-13, 2026

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Cybersecurity

Jan 8, 2026 7:00:00 AM

The Hidden Cost of Skipping Compliance Gap Analysis

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Business Strategy

Jan 5, 2026 2:59:47 PM

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

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.

CMMC Compliance Without the Guesswork

Why Lack of CMMC Readiness Creates Real Business Risk

Unclear Execution Paths

NIST 800-171 Implementation Gaps

Documentation Shortfalls

Competing Priorities

Fragmented Ownership

The Compass Approach: Structured CMMC Readiness

This is where most organizations get stuck.

Horizon 1: Visualize & Assess

Horizon 2: Architect & Implement

Horizon 3: Validate & Maintain

The Compass Approach to CMMC Compliance

CMMC Applicability Review

Baseline & Readiness Assessment

Gap Analysis & Risk Prioritization

Remediation Planning

Documentation & Evidence Development

Ongoing Oversight & Advisory

CMMC Services Built for Defense Contractors

CMMC Readiness & Pre-Assessment Support

NIST 800-171 Alignment & Validation

Security Policy & Procedure Development

SSP and POA&M Creation & Maintenance

Control Implementation Guidance

Audit Preparation & Evidence Management

Employee Security Awareness Training

Executive Advisory via vCISO Services

Ongoing CMMC Compliance Management

Registered CMMC Expertise You Can Rely On

Deadlines Are Closer Than They Look

Secure Your Federal Contract Eligibility

Proven Outcomes for CMMC Engagements

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Audit-Ready Posture

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Reduced Preparation Time

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Fewer Assessment Findings

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Clear Executive Visibility

Why Organizations Trust Compass for CMMC

Security-First Foundation

Pro-Serve Expertise

Operational Fit

Single Point of Accountability

Compliance Expertise for Every Regulated Industry

Healthcare

Financial Services

Legal

Manufacturing & Logistics

Insurance

Construction

FAQs

Answers to CMMC Compliance Services

What CMMC levels do you support?

Do you help with NIST 800-171 compliance?

Can you prepare us for an upcoming CMMC assessment?

Do you replace our internal IT or security team?

What determines how complex our CMMC effort will be?

Do you provide support after certification?

How does CMMC connect to cybersecurity services?

Who is CMMC required for?

Recommended Resources

CMMC Level 1 vs. Level 2: The Strategic Choice for Your Shop

State of the Port 2026 - February 26, 2026

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

CUI-CON - February 11-13, 2026

The Hidden Cost of Skipping Compliance Gap Analysis

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

Our Locations

Northeast

Northwest

Mid-Atlantic

Midwest

South Central

Southeast

Southwest

Recognition and Achievements

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