Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Compliance Services

Schneider Downs is an Authorized C3PAO qualified to assess and certify organizations subject to the DOD’s DFARS 7021 clause.

The CMMC requirements were finalized on December 16, 2024, for organizations within the defense industrial base (DIB).

Per DFARS 7021/CMMC, all organizations must be certified to be awarded DOD contracts that contain the DFARS clause.

Conquer CMMC Compliance – Contact Us Today!

CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO)

Schneider Downs is one of the first 55 nationwide C3PAOs authorized to conduct CMMC certification assessments for the Department of Defense’s (DoD) program.

Competitive Advantage

Our deep understanding of CMMC assessments, combined with our designation as a C3PAO, uniquely positions us to provide guidance that will be invaluable as you prepare for your assessment.

Industry Expertise

If you choose to consult with us, we will leverage our expertise across 16+ industries to address your specific CMMC challenges. Schneider Downs has over 25 years of experience auditing a variety of organizations' security frameworks.

CMMC Certification

Schneider Downs is one of the first 55 nationwide CMMC C3PAOs authorized to conduct CMMC certification assessments for the Department of Defense’s (DoD) CMMC program. This puts us in a unique position to 1) Help an organization prepare for CMMC certification through consultative efforts such as performing a gap analysis/mock audit or 2) Assess the organization for CMMC certification. The CMMC independence requirements prevent us from serving in both capacities.

Starting in 2025, companies subject to DFARS 7021 that conduct business with the DoD and suppliers across the DIB will need to achieve one of three levels of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This is projected to impact 450,000 organizations, including U.S. organizations and their international partners. For contracts that require CMMC, you may be disqualified from participating if your organization is not certified. 

CMMC Readiness Assessment Consulting

Not ready for the CMMC Certification yet? Have you aligned your System Security Plan (SSP) with your Shared Responsibility Matix (SRM) and Asset Inventory with the appropriate CMMC classifications? These are areas (among others) where we can help. Our deep understanding of CMMC assessments, combined with our designation as a C3PAO, uniquely positions us to consult with your organization and provide guidance that will be invaluable to you as you prepare for your assessment. Our consulting services could take many forms including:

  • Develop and align critical documentation with one another
  • Conduct a readiness assessment detailing the controls that would pass an assessment and provide recommendations for those controls that failed
  • Consult with management regarding an overall CMMC implementation strategy
  • Conduct mock audits
  • Assist management with their required annual self-assessment
  • Assist management with the interpretation of CMMC requirements
  • Work with management to address failed controls included within your Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms)

CMMC Readiness Assessment Phases

Our comprehensive CMMC assessment encompasses four distinct phases. Phase 1 focuses on meticulous planning and preparation, including establishing roles, gathering necessary documentation, and verifying readiness. Phase 2 involves the core assessment activities, where Schneider Downs evaluates the client’s CMMC practice implementation through evidence review, interviews, and observations. Phase 3 delivers the recommended assessment results in a formal report, outlining areas of conformance and non-conformance with specific remediation recommendations. Finally, Phase 4 centers on the closure of the identified POA&Ms and a final validation to ensure all necessary actions have been taken.

The CyberAB - CyberAB Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) - 2025-01-31
About Schneider Downs

As a certified C3PAO, Schneider Downs provides comprehensive CMMC readiness consulting to guide organizations seeking CMMC certification, helping them prepare for their official C3PAO assessment process.

Our team includes several CMMC Certified Professionals (CCPs) and CMMC Certified Assessors (CCAs). CCPs and CCAs have undergone extensive training on the CMMC model and CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) and can simulate a real assessment to effectively identify gaps that can be remediated prior to the official C3PAO assessment.

CMMC Guide

CMMC: Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Guide

Download our comprehensive CMMC Guide for a detailed overview of CMMC, including a deep dive into the certificate framework, certification process, potential costs and best practices for preparing your organization.

CMMC FAQS

What are the latest updates on CMMC 2.0?

As of January 31, 2025, the Department of Defense (DoD) has finalized the implementation framework for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 program. The final rule was published on October 15, 2024, and took effect on December 16, 2024. Contracts will start to include the DFARS clause requirement, meaning all DoD contractors will be required to comply with CMMC.

Any system, network, or infrastructure that stores, processes, or transmits FCI or CUI is considered in scope for CMMC 2.0. This includes:

  • Internal IT networks that handle CUI.
  • Cloud environments where CUI is stored or processed (e.g., Microsoft GCC High, AWS GovCloud).
  • End-user devices (laptops, desktops, mobile devices) that access CUI.
  • Email and collaboration tools (if used for CUI communication).
  • Subcontractors handling CUI must also meet the appropriate CMMC level.

Organizations need to define and document the boundary of their CMMC in-scope environment to ensure compliance within their System Security Plan (SSP).

For defense contractors, the consequences could be severe. If you decide to not comply or are unable to comply with the CMMC requirements, you will no longer be able to bid on any DoD contracts that include the DFARS clause.

Each DoD Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quote (RFQ), or Request for Information (RFI) will specify the required CMMC level for that contract. 

Contracts that require CMMC compliance will reference specific Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses, such as:

  • DFARS 252.204-7012 (Cybersecurity Requirements)
  • DFARS 252.204-7019 (SPR System Submission)
  • DFARS 252.204-7020 (DIBCAC Assessment for Medium & High Risk)
  • DFARS 252.204-7021 (CMMC Certification Requirements)

If DFARS 252.204-7021 is included, the contract will specify the required CMMC level.

There is also the way to determine by the type of information that you will be handling with this contract:

  • If your company only handles Federal Contract Information (FCI) → CMMC Level 1 is required.
  • If your company handles Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) → CMMC Level 2 or Level 3 may be required.
  • If your company works with high-value CUI for critical national security → CMMC Level 3 is required.

The CMMC framework is closely aligned with NIST standards, as compliance with CMMC requirements necessitates adherence to NIST guidelines. DoD contractors must either perform a self-assessment or undergo a third-party evaluation to verify compliance with the relevant NIST standards outlined in DFARS clause 252.204-7012. Under CMMC 2.0, Level 2 assessments are based on the security controls in NIST SP 800-171, while Level 3 assessments incorporate both NIST SP 800-171 and a subset of advanced protections from NIST SP 800-172.

Schneider Downs is currently one of the first 55 Authorized C3PAOs in the nation. Schneider Downs can help with readiness and consulting services to help you prepare for your CMMC assessment. Once you are ready for your assessment, Schneider Downs can provide partner C3PAOs to conduct the assessment.

Cybersecurity Maturity Model
Certification (CMMC)

Schneider Downs is one of the first 55 Authorized C3PAOs
and can handle your CMMC Certificaton.

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