CMMC Assessment (C3PAO)
Independent CMMC Level 2 Assessments by an Authorized C3PAO
Many defense contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) are required to undergo an independent
CMMC Level 2 assessment performed by a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO).
Conducted by an
Authorized C3PAO
Many defense contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) are required to undergo an independent CMMC Level 2 assessment performed by a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO).
A C3PAO assessment is the formal verification step in the CMMC program. It evaluates whether your organization has fully implemented and is operating the 110 practices defined in NIST SP 800-171, in accordance with the Department of Defense's CMMC Assessment Guide and 32 CFR Part 170.
RSI Security performs independent, objective CMMC Level 2 assessments as an authorized C3PAO listed in the Cyber AB Marketplace. Our role is to evaluate implemented controls, validate objective evidence, and submit assessment results to the DoD's CMMC system for certification determination.
Important: C3PAOs do not issue certifications or provide remediation services for the engagements they assess. Certification decisions are issued by the Department of Defense.
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What an Independent C3PAO Assessment Delivers
Independent Verification
C3PAO assessments replace self-attestation for most CMMC Level 2 contracts, providing an impartial, accredited evaluation of your cybersecurity implementation.
Alignment to DoD Requirements
Assessments are performed strictly against the CMMC Level 2 Assessment Guide, NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2, and applicable DoD guidance — ensuring consistency and defensibility.
Contract Eligibility
Successful completion of a C3PAO assessment is required to maintain eligibility for DoD contracts involving Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
What an Independent C3PAO Assessment Delivers
Assessment Planning & Scoping
Confirm scope, validate asset identification, and review System Security Plan adequacy.
- Confirm the CMMC Assessment Scope
- Validate identification of CUI Assets, Security Protection Assets, and Contractor Risk Managed Assets
- Review System Security Plan (SSP) adequacy
Examination Preparation
Finalize the assessment plan, confirm evidence availability, and coordinate pre-assessment logistics.
- Finalize assessment plan and logistics
- Confirm evidence availability
- Conduct pre-assessment coordination meeting
Assessment Execution
Evaluate all 110 NIST SP 800-171 practices through examination, interview, and testing activities.
- Evaluate all 110 NIST SP 800-171 practices
- Perform examination activities (examine, interview, test)
- Validate objective evidence
Reporting & Validation
Document findings, score practices, and identify any allowable POA&M items where permitted.
- Document findings and scoring
- Identify any allowable POA&M items (where permitted)
- Finalize assessment report
Submission & Certification Decision
Submit assessment results to the DoD CMMC system. The Department of Defense reviews results and issues certification status.
- Submit assessment results to the DoD CMMC system (eMASS)
- DoD reviews results and issues certification status
What Qualifies a C3PAO
RSI Security — Authorized C3PAO
- ISO/IEC 17020 Accredited
- FOCI Reviewed
- Cyber AB Authorized
- Listed in the Cyber AB Marketplace
- Under Continuous Oversight
Only authorized C3PAOs may perform assessments that result in CMMC Level 2 certification recognition by the Department of Defense.
- ISO/IEC 17020 Accredited
- FOCI Reviewed
- Cyber AB Authorized
- Listed in Cyber AB Marketplace
- Continuous Oversight
Only authorized C3PAOs may perform assessments that result in CMMC Level 2 certification recognition by the Department of Defense.
Maintaining Compliance After Certification
Submit annual affirmations through a Senior Company Official to maintain active certification status.
Affirmations
Maintain ongoing implementation of all controls assessed during your CMMC Level 2 certification.
Maintenance
Reassessment is required at the end of the three-year certification period or upon significant change to your environment.
at Three Years
Why CMMC Level 2
Certification Matters
CMMC protects sensitive defense information and strengthens the security of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Failure to meet requirements can result in:
- Loss of contract eligibility
- Supply-chain exclusion
- Increased cybersecurity risk
- Contractual and reputational consequences
Certification demonstrates verified cybersecurity maturity aligned with DoD expectations.
RSI Security as
Your C3PAO
RSI Security is an authorized C3PAO performing independent CMMC Level 2 assessments for defense contractors and subcontractors. Our assessment teams:
- Operate independently from advisory services
- Follow strict impartiality and conflict-of-interest controls
- Apply the DoD-prescribed assessment methodology
- Deliver clear, defensible assessment results
Engagement in RSI advisory services does not guarantee, influence, or expedite assessment outcomes.
Common FAQs
What is a C3PAO and why is it required?
A C3PAO is an independent organization authorized by the Cyber AB Marketplace to perform CMMC Level 2 assessments. It is required when a DoD contract specifies that Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must be protected and independently verified.
How is an assessment different from readiness?
Readiness evaluates your organization's preparedness for an assessment. A C3PAO assessment independently verifies that your controls are fully implemented and operating — it is the official certification step, not preparation for it.
Who issues the CMMC certification?
The Department of Defense issues certification decisions based on the assessment results submitted by the C3PAO. C3PAOs evaluate and report — they do not issue certifications.
How long does a CMMC Level 2 assessment take?
Most Level 2 assessments span several weeks depending on scope, organization size, and the quality of evidence prepared. Organizations that invest in readiness before the assessment typically move through the process faster.
Can the same C3PAO perform re-certification?
Yes, provided independence requirements are maintained. This is subject to conflict-of-interest review, assessor availability, and continued Cyber AB authorization at the time of reassessment.
If your organization is required to undergo an independent CMMC Level 2 assessment, RSI Security can discuss scope, timing, and assessment — without obligation.