Small businesses account for approximately 73% of companies in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). For these organizations, achieving Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance is critical, and many will rely on Managed Service Providers (MSPs) or External Service Providers (ESPs) to help navigate the complex process. Selecting the right MSP is not merely a decision of convenience—it’s one of strategic importance. Missteps in this area can result in significant consequences for your organization.
As you advance along the CMMC pathway, it’s vital to evaluate whether your current MSP is equipped to meet CMMC requirements.
Is CMMC Level 2 (C3PAO) Certification Necessary for Your MSP?
With the publication of the final CMMC rule, there are notable changes in the requirements for MSPs working with defense contractors. Initially, these providers were expected to be certified at the same CMMC level as the contracting organization if handling sensitive security data. While certification is no longer mandated under the final rule, the importance of partnering with a CMMC-compliant MSP cannot be overstated.
Here’s why:
- Data Sensitivity: MSPs often access Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), security protections data, or other sensitive information. An MSP with CMMC Level 2 (C3PAO) certification provides assurance that they can adequately secure this data and will not become a liability during audits.
- Audit Accountability: Under the CFR 32 final rule, MSPs are considered within the scope of a contractor's third-party audit. If your MSP is not adhering to CMMC practices, your organization could fail its audit. This liability ultimately rests with the contracting entity.
- Certification Timeline: Achieving CMMC certification takes 8–12 months on average. If your MSP has not begun the process, you may need to consider other options to avoid delays in your compliance journey.
Key Benefits of Partnering with a CMMC Compliant MSP
- Streamlined Audit Process: A certified MSP provides pre-vetted practices that simplify the audit process. Many of the required controls are effectively “pre-certified,” reducing the administrative burden and expediting compliance efforts.
- Higher Assurance: CMMC-certified MSPs are proven to meet stringent security requirements, ensuring your MSP becomes an asset rather than a risk. This higher assurance makes passing audits significantly more likely.
- Reduced Liability: Certified MSPs assume responsibility for managing and securing controls within their purview. This reduces your organization’s direct liability, unlike uncertified MSPs, which may leave you accountable for gaps in their compliance.
Investing in Compliance Expertise
Partnering with a knowledgeable, CMMC-compliant MSP is not merely a matter of convenience—it’s an investment in your organization’s eligibility for DoD contracts and the security of your IT infrastructure. Without the support of a qualified partner, achieving CMMC compliance becomes a more costly and time-intensive process, with greater risks to organizational resilience and contractual eligibility.
Why Choose CorpInfoTech?
CorpInfoTech is uniquely positioned to assist small and medium-sized businesses on their CMMC journey. As a CyberAB Registered Provider Organization (RPO), CorpInfoTech has years of experience preparing for CMMC requirements and is equipped to offer expert guidance.
- Certifications & Expertise: CorpInfoTech employs Certified CMMC Professionals (CCPs) and is on track to achieve CMMC Level 2 (C3PAO) certification by the end of the year.
- Comprehensive Services: CorpInfoTech’s managed IT and cybersecurity solutions are designed to ensure compliance, reduce risk, and enhance resilience.
- Proven Leadership: With extensive knowledge of CMMC processes, CorpInfoTech helps businesses streamline compliance efforts and build robust security frameworks.
Through TAS for CMMC Compliance, CorpInfoTech offers certified managed compliance services to DoD contractors seeking to achieve and maintain CMMC requirements. CorpInfoTech will likely be the first MSP to achieve CMMC level 2 (C3PAO) compliance, putting us at the forefront of the CMMC implementation space.
By partnering with CorpInfoTech your organization will inherit 200+ out of the 320 assessment objectives required by CMMC, reducing the time it takes to implement compliance requirements and eliminating the stress of upcoming audits. Our TAS for CMMC Compliance service offering its flexible and adapts to your business needs by giving you greater control of where CUI is stored while still maintaining security and upholding compliance requirements. Let TAS for CMMC Compliance transform your organization's compliance process!
By choosing CorpInfoTech as your partner, you gain a trusted ally with deep expertise and a track record of success in compliance and cybersecurity.
CorpInfoTech is committed to become CMMC level 2 (C3PAO) compliant to better serve your organization. Our audit is aligned early in the programs roll out, making us likely among the first MSPs to achieve certification.
