Beyond the Checklist: Tools, Tips, and Tactics for Success Preparing for CMMC

by: A-LIGN 45 min

CMMC Compliance: Your Roadmap to Certification Success

In this webinar, Matt Bruggeman, Director of Federal GTM at A-LIGN, and Greg LaRoche, VP of Product Management at PreVeil, share valuable insights on navigating the CMMC process. If you’re preparing for compliance, this session offers practical strategies and actionable advice to help you succeed.

Understanding CMMC levels

CMMC certification is divided into two levels, tailored to varying compliance requirements: 

  • Level 1: Designed for organizations handling Federal Contract Information (FCI), this requires implementing 15 controls from NIST SP 800-171. 
  • Level 2: Necessary for organizations processing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Level 2 demands compliance with all 110 controls outlined in NIST SP 800-171.  

This distinction between FCI and CUI determines the level of certification required. 

Start with strategic planning

The most successful organizations prioritize comprehensive planning before implementation. Rushing into control deployment without proper scoping leads to inefficiencies and compliance gaps. Start with detailed data flow mapping, establish clear security boundaries, and identify all in-scope assets. This foundation ensures efficient resource utilization and accelerates your path to certification.

Detailed documentation that works

Consistent, accurate documentation forms the backbone of successful CMMC assessments. Your policies and procedures must precisely reflect your implemented controls and actual practices. Assessment failures often stem from documentation inconsistencies that create compliance gaps. 

What to expect during your assessment 

CMMC assessments follow a structured, two-phase approach: 

  • Pre-assessment phase: Comprehensive documentation review focusing on consistency, completeness, and accuracy. Early identification of potential issues allows for corrections before formal assessment begins. 
  • Detailed assessment phase: Thorough evaluation against all 320 objectives within NIST SP 800-171 requirements. 

Smart organizations leverage pre-assessments as dress rehearsals, identifying and addressing potential challenges before formal evaluation. This proactive approach prevents costly delays and ensures smooth assessment progression. 

Leverage technology to simplify compliance

Minimizing the scope of compliance is a strategic advantage. Selecting purpose-built tools designed for DFARS, ITAR, and CMMC compliance reduces complexity while ensuring comprehensive security coverage. The right technology partner can significantly reduce your compliance burden while maintaining strong security standards.

Building your compliance team

CMMC success requires expert guidance and strategic partnerships. Whether working with managed service providers (MSPs) or directly with assessors, your team’s expertise directly impacts outcomes. Choose partners with proven compliance track records and deep understanding of cybersecurity frameworks. 

Your Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) selection is equally critical. Make sure their expertise aligns with your compliance requirements and the technologies you use. 

Achieving complete compliance

The ultimate CMMC goal is achieving full compliance with all 110 controls—demonstrating complete alignment with cybersecurity excellence standards. Success requires strategic planning, precise scoping, advanced technology, and expert partnerships. 

Your path forward 

Transform CMMC compliance from a daunting challenge into a strategic advantage. With expert guidance from industry leaders like A-LIGN and PreVeil, your organization can navigate compliance complexities efficiently and effectively.