C3PAO Assessments for IT/Managed Service Providers
Now that the CMMC Program Rule (32 CFR Part 170) is effective, CMMC Level 2 Certification is a mandatory requirement for Defense Industrial Base (DIB) companies to win and retain DoD contracts involving Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). For IT/Managed Service Providers (MSPs), this presents unique complexities. KLC Consulting, an authorized C3PAO, brings deep expertise in both CMMC assessments and the distinct technical and business models of IT/MSP operations, making us uniquely equipped to provide the comprehensive and effective assessment your organization needs to meet these critical DoD compliance requirements.
Avoiding CMMC Pitfalls Before an Assessment
- Shared Responsibility Matrix (SRM): To prevent assessment failure, you must clearly define whether you or your client owns each CMMC control.
- Precise CUI Scoping: Accurately identify and map where CUI resides to ensure your services and systems are correctly scoped.
- Documentation and Evidence: CMMC requires proof of practice, not just a policy. Be ready to produce on-demand evidence like logs and anti-malware configurations.
- Client Preparation: CMMC certification delays or failures can occur if clients are not prepared to provide the required documentation demonstrating their compliance.
- Managing Sub-Providers: Ensure any third-party tools or cloud services provider (CSP), and managed service providers (MSP) you use are also compliant with CMMC requirements.
CMMC Level 2 Certification Assessment Process
The CMMC Level 2 assessment for IT/MSPs starts with scoping and a readiness review to define responsibilities for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) between you and your clients. A key step is developing and validating your Shared Responsibility Matrix (SRM), which clearly outlines who is accountable for each CMMC control.
Once the readiness phase is complete and your SRM is validated, the formal assessment can start. Our process includes:
- Cross-Functional Engagement: We work with your IT, security, and client service teams.
- Comprehensive Scope Verification: We meticulously verify your CUI boundary, data flows, and all related systems, users, and third-party vendors.
- Client Environment Integration & Shared Controls Evaluation: We review CUI handling in client environments, including inherited controls and shared responsibilities.
- Hybrid & Multi-Tenant Expertise: We evaluate compliance across your on-premises systems, specialized cloud environments (like Azure GCC High), and multi-tenant architectures.
Secure Clients with CMMC Certification
We gather evidence for each CMMC control through documentation review, interviews, and live demonstrations. Achieving CMMC certification allows MSPs to pass on inherited controls to clients, streamlining their compliance. Clear communication and thorough documentation are vital for a successful outcome.
Your Best C3PAO for IT/MSP CMMC Assessments
Navigating CMMC compliance can be particularly complex for IT/Managed Service Providers due to their unique operational models and shared client responsibilities. At KLC Consulting, we understand these intricacies better than anyone. As an authorized C3PAO with deep expertise in the IT/MSP landscape, we are uniquely positioned to thoroughly assess your organization for CMMC Level 2 certification, determining your compliance with defense supply chain requirements.
Our CMMC Certified Assessors (CCAs) bring deep, practical experience in:
- Deep IT/MSP Environment Knowledge: Our assessors possess extensive experience with how MSPs operate, the technologies they employ, and the unique challenges of managing diverse client environments. This allows for a more accurate and relevant assessment.
- Expertise in Shared Responsibility Evaluation: We excel at evaluating the complexities of shared responsibilities between MSPs and their clients. Our focus is on validating your existing Shared Responsibility Matrix (SRM) to ensure a clear and compliant delineation of CMMC control ownership.
- Hands-on Technical Proficiency: KLC Consulting’s assessors have practical, hands-on experience configuring critical systems like firewalls and servers. This enables us to conduct precise and efficient evaluations of your technical controls and their implementation.
- Streamlined Assessment Approach: Our familiarity with the IT/MSP business model allows us to ask targeted, effective questions, leading to a more focused and efficient assessment process.
The KLC Consulting Approach
We understand the apprehension that comes with high-stakes assessments, which is why our approach is professional and collaborative—never adversarial or based on “gotcha” tactics. What truly sets us apart is our years of proven cybersecurity experience and fair, insightful approach that understands the unique challenges of IT and MSP environments. As an objective C3PAO, we are dedicated to validating your demonstrated security practices. We deliver assessments with clear understanding and a human touch, focusing on complete and accurate compliance confirmation.
Unsure About Your CMMC Readiness?
Many defense software companies grapple with CMMC Level 2 readiness. To alleviate this, KLC Consulting offers a Mock “Readiness” Assessment. This simulated evaluation mirrors the official CMMC assessment process, providing a realistic “practice run” to identify deficiencies and outline a clear remediation roadmap, so you undertake your formal assessment with confidence.
Don’t Get Left on the Ground
With limited C3PAOs and a growing number of DIB companies requiring CMMC Level 2 certification, securing your assessment spot is crucial. Reserve your assessment with KLC Consulting today and avoid delays.
Conquer Your Assessment with Our Free Playbook
Demystify your CMMC Level 2 Assessment! Our free playbook simplifies the official “Objective Evidence List” from the DCMA DIBCAC. Get clear insights into C3PAO expectations for each security practice and what evidence they’ll require. Be fully prepared to ace your assessment.
