6 Reasons to Take Action on CMMC Certification Now
Now that the Department of Defense (DoD) has published 48 CFR, CMMC is enforceable in all new DoD solicitations and contracts. This means that the time to act is now if you want to continue doing business with the DoD. Read on to explore why getting in the queue now is key to your organization’s CMMC success.
The urgency of CMMC 2.0 compliance
CMMC 2.0 is a non-negotiable requirement for all entities engaged with the DoD, including prime contractors and their subcontractors. Contractors must obtain CMMC certification under one of the three trust levels to demonstrate that they have adequately implemented cybersecurity measures. For organizations that fall into CMMC Levels 2 and 3, an audit is not just a recommendation — it is a necessity.
The stakes are high. Because CMMC certification will be required to continue working with the DoD, non-compliance could result in a catastrophic loss of business. Delaying action could jeopardize your organization’s ability to secure future contracts and maintain existing ones.
Why you shouldn’t wait to get in line for a CMMC 2.0 assessment
1. Bypass the mad dash to find an available C3PAO.
There are approximately 85 accredited CMMC Third Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) available to assess the roughly 80,000 organizations that will need certification. As the demand for these assessments increases with the November 10, 2025 effective date for 48 CFR, it’s likely that C3PAOs will be overwhelmed with audit requests, creating long waitlists and potential delays. If you secure your spot in the assessment queue now, you can avoid the rush and ensure that your organization isn’t left scrambling to find an available assessor.
2. Pick the best assessor.
Choosing a high-quality assessor will increase the likelihood of a smooth certification process and ensures that your organization’s unique compliance needs are fully addressed. The right partner will have extensive expertise in federal compliance, provide a high-quality final report, and drive efficiencies across your team with technology to streamline the process. Getting started sooner rather than later allows your team to pick the highest-quality assessor. Plus, companies like A-LIGN can provide comprehensive support beyond just CMMC certification, acting as a single provider for all your compliance needs.
3. Lock in a favorable price.
As demand for CMMC assessments rises and the number of available assessors decreases, the ability to negotiate pricing will diminish. By getting ahead of the curve, you can lock in a competitive price for your assessment and avoid the financial strain of last-minute certification efforts.
4. Ensure complete CMMC readiness.
The process of preparing for a CMMC 2.0 audit is complex and time-consuming, potentially taking up to 12 months depending on the current state of your cybersecurity practices. Starting early gives you time to undergo a CMMC readiness assessment. This mock audit allows you to identify and remediate any gaps in your cybersecurity framework before the formal assessment, increasing the chances of passing on the first try.
5. Gain a competitive advantage.
Achieving CMMC 2.0 certification before your competitors not only secures your position within the DoD supply chain but also enhances your reputation as a reliable partner. Prime contractors will likely prioritize subcontractors who have already secured their certification, reducing project risks associated with non-compliance. Early certification can give you the upper hand in winning contracts and retaining existing business.
6. Avoid business disruption and contract losses.
Delaying your certification could lead to significant business disruptions, particularly as CMMC 2.0 becomes a contract requirement with 48 CFR. Prime contractors will begin demanding proof of compliance from their subcontractors, and failure to provide this could result in lost contracts or delays in renewals. Acting now minimizes the risk of these disruptions and ensures that your business remains competitive and compliant.
Get in the CMMC queue with a top federal assessor today
The transition to CMMC 2.0 marks a significant shift in the cybersecurity landscape for DoD contractors. Now that the final rule has been published, the time to act is now.
A-LIGN is here to guide you through the complexities of CMMC 2.0 compliance. As one of the first authorized C3PAOs with extensive experience in federal assessments, we can help you navigate the path to certification.
Contact us today to secure your spot in our CMMC certification queue and learn how we can support all your compliance needs.
