CMMC Level 2 Certification for DoD Contractors

TalaTek LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of CISO Global, is a Cyber AB–authorized Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO).

Authorized C3PAO | CMMC Level 2 Assessments | NIST 800-171 Expertise | Defense Industrial Base Specialists

What CMMC Means for DoD Contractors

CMMC defines how defense contractors must protect Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Organizations that handle CUI must meet CMMC Level 2 requirements, which align with the security practices defined in NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2. Depending on the contract, organizations may be required to complete an independent assessment by a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO).

Most defense contractors that handle CUI must achieve CMMC Level 2 certification.

The Department of Defense has rolled out CMMC requirements across DoD contracts, with full implementation by 11/2028. When solicitations include CMMC clauses, contractors must demonstrate compliance at the required level to remain eligible for award.

CMMC consists of three certification levels that reflect the maturity of a contractor’s cybersecurity program.

• Level 1: Protects FCI. Validated through self-assessment.
• Level 2: Applies to contractors handling CUI. Requires full NIST SP 800-171 implementation and may require independent certification by a C3PAO.
• Level 3: Applies to a limited set of high-risk programs. Assessed by the U.S. government.

Path to CMMC Certification

Defense contractors typically progress through the following steps before achieving CMMC Level 2 certification.

NIST SP 800-171 Gap Analysis for CMMC Prep

Level 2 of the CMMC includes all the 110 requirements from NIST SP 800-171, verbatim. CISO Global can perform a NIST SP 800-171 gap analysis – a great starting point to determine if you are meeting the CMMC requirements.

With nearly two decades of experience in multiple certification frameworks, CISO Global can provide you with the skills and a roadmap necessary to prepare for CMMC compliance, saving your company time and money.

CMMC Core Services

CISO Global and TalaTek support defense contractors preparing for CMMC Level 2 certification through readiness services, advisory support, and official assessment. As an authorized Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO), we conduct formal CMMC Level 2 assessments. Or we can provide advisory services to help organizations prepare. Our team evaluates your environment against the security practices in NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 to identify compliance gaps and support your path to certification.

Gap Assessment

Evaluate your current security posture against CMMC Level 2 and NIST SP 800-171 requirements.

Receive a detailed report identifying compliance gaps and recommended next steps.

Basic Readiness

Establish a strong foundation for CMMC certification. Includes gap analysis, SSP/POA&M development, policy templates, and guidance on evidence collection.

Full Advisory Support

Hands-on guidance to help your organization implement controls and remediate gaps.

This includes ongoing advisory support, documentation alignment, and audit preparation.

Mock CMMC Audit

Test your readiness with a simulated C3PAO assessment. Identify remaining gaps, validate evidence, and prepare your team for auditor interviews.

Audit Support

Expert support before and during your official CMMC audit. We help prepare documentation, organize evidence, and assist your team throughout the assessment.

C3PAO Certification Assessment

As an authorized C3PAO, we conduct formal independent CMMC Level 2 certification assessments. We evaluate controls, documentation, and evidence and submit the official assessment package in accordance with the CMMC Assessment Process (CAP).

Continuous Compliance Monitoring

Maintain compliance throughout the three-year certification cycle. Our GRC platform supports evidence management, control tracking, and ongoing monitoring.

CMMC Level 2 Assessment by a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO)

For contracts that require independent certification, CISO Global supports CMMC assessments through TalaTek LLC, a Cyber AB–authorized Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) and wholly owned subsidiary of CISO Global. TalaTek conducts formal CMMC Level 2 certification assessments aligned with the CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) and is listed on the Cyber AB marketplace.

Maintaining CMMC Compliance

CMMC Level 2 certification is valid for three years and requires ongoing monitoring, documentation, and annual affirmation of compliance.

Organizations must demonstrate that required security controls remain implemented and effective throughout the certification period.

FAQs

What is CMMC?

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a cybersecurity framework, established by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). It requires organizations in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) to implement specific cybersecurity practices and demonstrate compliance at the level required by their DoD contracts.

What CMMC level applies to my organization?

The required CMMC level depends on the type of information your organization handles and the requirements in your DoD contract.

• Level 1: For organizations handling Federal Contract Information (FCI). Validated through self-assessment.
• Level 2: For organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Requires implementation of NIST SP 800-171 controls and may require certification through a C3PAO assessment.
• Level 3: Applies to a small number of high-risk programs and is assessed by the U.S. government.

Most defense contractors that handle CUI will need CMMC Level 2.

What is the difference between CMMC and NIST SP 800-171?

NIST SP 800-171 defines the security controls required to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

CMMC uses those same controls but adds a certification process that requires organizations to demonstrate compliance through assessments.

For most contractors handling CUI, CMMC Level 2 aligns with the 110 controls in NIST SP 800-171.

What is a CUI boundary?

A CUI boundary defines the systems, networks, and environments that store, process, or transmit Controlled Unclassified Information. Establishing a clearly defined boundary determines which systems must meet CMMC security requirements and be included in an assessment.

When is a C3PAO assessment required?

A C3PAO assessment is required when a DoD contract specifies CMMC Level 2 certification through independent assessment. In these cases, contractors must complete a formal evaluation conducted by a Cyber AB–authorized C3PAO to verify implementation of required cybersecurity controls.

Who conducts CMMC assessments?

Independent CMMC Level 2 certification assessments are conducted by Cyber AB–authorized Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs).

How often must organizations maintain CMMC compliance?

CMMC compliance is maintained on a three-year certification cycle. For CMMC Level 2, organizations must complete a certification assessment every three years and submit annual affirmations confirming that required security controls remain implemented and effective.

Maintaining compliance requires ongoing documentation, monitoring, and evidence management to demonstrate that security practices continue to meet CMMC requirements throughout the certification period.