What This Means for Your Organization:
- Don't start with a C3PAO. They can’t consult or help you prepare. You need to be fully ready before you call them.
- Consultants help you get ready, but only if they understand the nuances of your business and compliance goals.
- MSSPs help implement and maintain your security. Without operational support, your compliance won’t stick.
Let’s say you’re a DoD contractor or subcontractor preparing for CMMC Level 2. You’ve got requirements. You’ve got deadlines. And you’ve got a lot of acronyms coming at you. The most common misstep? Not knowing who does what, and hiring the wrong help at the wrong time. Here’s the breakdown.
Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP)
CMMC isn’t just about having the right documents. It’s about proving you’re actively doing the work. That’s where MSSPs shine. They help you implement and sustain the technical side of your compliance. Your MSSP manages your day-to-day cybersecurity operations. Think threat detection, system patching, log monitoring, and incident response. Total Assure can provide Managed Security Services to help support your CMMC journey.
Consultant: Your CMMC Readiness Partner
A consultant helps you identify gaps, interpret the CMMC requirements, and build a plan to become compliant. This includes readiness assessments, policies, SSP/POA&M development, and remediation strategies. They are important because you don’t want to find out you missed a requirement during your official assessment. A consultant helps you avoid costly rework, and ensures your people, processes, and tools are aligned. Total Assure has the team ready to help you get prepared for CMMC.
Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO)
C3PAOs are authorized by the CMMC-AB to conduct formal assessments. They verify if your organization actually meets CMMC requirements. and they are the only entity that can award you a CMMC certification. But it is important to note that they cannot help you prepare, because it would be a conflict of interest. If you approach a C3PAO before you're ready, you're likely to fail and you'll have to wait and pay to try again.
So, Who Do You Call First?
You may need all three, but not all at once. Here’s the order of operations:
- Start with a consultant (like Total Assure) to evaluate your readiness, close your gaps, and prepare your team.
- Work with an MSSP to implement, monitor, and maintain your security controls over time. Total Assure can help here.
- Call a C3PAO once your consultant confirms you’re truly ready for an audit.
How Total Assure Fits in
Total Assure can step in to be your MSSP or Consultant partner. For CMMC readiness, our team helps you:
- Conduct deep-dive CMMC gap assessments
- Write and review your SSP, POA&M, and required documentation
- Implement controls with our trusted MSSP support partners
- Stay compliant with managed services after your assessment
We’ve helped businesses navigate the early stages of CMMC by providing clear guidance, hands-on support, and tailored roadmaps aligned to NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC Level 2 requirements. Our approach is built to simplify the process and move you forward with confidence.
To book your FREE consultation, fill out our form today.
About Total Assure
Total Assure, a spin-off from IBSS, provides uninterrupted business operations with our dedicated 24/7/365 in-house SOC, robust managed security solutions, and expert consulting services. Total Assure provides cost-efficient, comprehensive, and scalable cybersecurity solutions that leverage 30 years of experience and expertise from IBSS. Total Assure partners with its customers to identify security gaps, develop attainable cybersecurity objectives, and deliver comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that protect their businesses from modern cybersecurity threats.
Check out our blog series on NIST SP 800-171.
For more information on how Total Assure can assist your organization in achieving NIST SP 800-171 compliance, please contact our team directly.
