C3PAOs

Function of C3PAOs:

• Conduct CMMC Level 2 Assessments
  C3PAOs lead formal evaluations of an Organization Seeking Certification (OSC) to determine if it meets the required cybersecurity practices and processes outlined in NIST SP 800-171 and the CMMC framework.

• Employ Certified Assessors
  They must use certified personnel such as Certified CMMC Assessors (CCAs) and Certified CMMC Professionals (CCPs) to perform assessments under strict guidelines set by the Cyber-AB and the Department of Defense (DoD).

• Issue Assessment Results
  Upon completing an assessment, the C3PAO compiles the results and submits them (along with documentation like the Security Assessment Report and POA&M) to the DoD’s CMMC Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Services (eMASS) system.

• Work with the Cyber-AB
  C3PAOs operate under the Cyber-AB’s Code of Professional Conduct, follow approved assessment procedures, and are subject to audits and oversight.

• Maintain Independence and Impartiality
  C3PAOs cannot assist a client with implementing controls for the same assessment they conduct, ensuring there is no conflict of interest.

Key Requirements:

• Must be accredited by the Cyber-AB and cleared through a DoD adjudicated process (e.g., DCSA Facility Clearance).

• Must have qualified staff and documented procedures for quality assurance, information protection, and assessment methodology.

Summary:

C3PAOs are the only entities allowed to officially certify defense contractors at CMMC Level 2, playing a critical role in validating cybersecurity readiness in the DoD supply chain.

We help clients navigate this process by:

• Identifying qualified C3PAOs that are active, responsive, and experienced with similar environments (e.g., cloud, on-prem, hybrid).

• Evaluating cost structures and engagement terms to match your budget and readiness level.

• Coordinating availability and scheduling so you can align your assessment with your internal milestones.

• Ensuring conflict-of-interest safeguards by vetting C3PAOs that have not provided implementation services to your organization.

• Facilitating pre-assessment readiness so you don’t engage a C3PAO until you are fully prepared, helping avoid rework and delays.

• We streamline the selection process so your focus stays on achieving certification not searching for assessors.

Because there are over 60 accredited C3PAOs, each with different specialties, availability, and pricing models, selecting the right one can significantly impact your timeline and cost.