L2 Assessments for Defense IT/MSPs
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.
Unique CMMC Challenges for IT/MSPs
- Complex Shared Responsibilities: A key challenge is clearly defining who owns each CMMC control when duties are split between the MSP and their clients.
- Documentation Deficiencies: Even if technically sound, MSPs often lack the specific, detailed policies, procedures, and evidence (artifacts) CMMC assessors require.
- Strict Evidence Mandates: CMMC demands rigorous proof – not just documentation, but also interviews and live demonstrations – a stricter standard than many IT/MSPs are used to.
- Client Preparation Gaps: The assessment process can face delays if clients cannot provide necessary documentation or access, directly impacting the MSP’s own CMMC assessment.
- CUI Responsibility Clarification: Accurately identifying who is responsible for the CUI itself, even when the MSP manages the underlying systems, is a complex yet critical assessment point.
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 readiness is confirmed and your SRM is robust, the formal assessment begins. Our approach involves:
- 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.
Throughout the assessment, 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.
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.
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.
KLC Consulting provides the specialized CMMC assessments IT/MSPs need. We conduct thorough and efficient evaluations that validate your security, allowing you to confidently serve the Defense Industrial Base with verified compliance.
The KLC Consulting Approach
We understand the apprehension that comes with high-stakes assessments. At KLC Consulting, you won’t find invasive “gotcha” auditors. Our philosophy is to be the objective C3PAO that validates your demonstrated security practices with a warm, interactive style. We’re here to ensure an assessment delivered with a clear understanding and the human touch, without digging deeper in search of flaws.
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.
Accelerate Assessment Prep with Software Dev Guide & Templates
Stop navigating complex CMMC requirements alone. To help you streamline preparation and strengthen your posture before the audit, we’ve compiled free essential templates for secure software design, agile/DevOps SDLC integration, secure API practices, and a clear breakdown of CMMC requirements specifically for developers.
