The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 program is rapidly moving towards full implementation, with major deadlines fast approaching. As an official Registered Practitioner Organization (RPO), Ace of Cloud is fully equipped to guide businesses through the complexities of CMMC compliance and help them prepare for these critical changes. With the final CMMC rule expected to be published in early 2025, defense contractors must act now to ensure they are ready.
CMMC 2.0 Timeline and Key Deadlines
The Department of Defense (DoD) has outlined a phased implementation approach for CMMC 2.0:
• March 2025: Self-assessments will be required as a condition for contract awards. Contractors must ensure that they meet CMMC Level 1 or Level 2 standards, depending on the nature of their contracts.
• September 2025: Third-party assessments (C3PAO) for CMMC Level 2 compliance will be required for contracts involving Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This is a critical phase as contractors will need to pass these independent evaluations to secure new contracts.
• September 2026: DoD will begin requiring third-party assessments for contracts awarded prior to the CMMC rule finalization. Contractors must be prepared for audits even on existing agreements.
• September 2027: Full implementation of the CMMC program, with all applicable DoD contracts and option periods requiring CMMC compliance.
The Importance of Preparing Now
For contractors in the defense industrial base, these deadlines represent significant milestones. Achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance will soon be a contractual obligation, not an optional process. Given the complexity of the requirements — especially for small to medium-sized businesses — waiting until the last minute could jeopardize your ability to win contracts and remain competitive in the market.
This is where Ace of Cloud comes in. As a certified RPO, we offer tailored CMMC advisory services designed to help businesses of all sizes navigate the compliance process with ease. Whether you are handling CUI or aiming to meet the basic cybersecurity requirements for CMMC Level 1, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
How Ace of Cloud, an RPO, Can Help You Achieve CMMC Compliance
Our status as an RPO means we are certified to provide trusted CMMC advisory services to help you become compliant with the latest standards. Here’s how Ace of Cloud can support your business:
• Detailed Cybersecurity Assessments: Our experts will thoroughly assess your current cybersecurity framework to ensure alignment with NIST SP 800-171 and the specific requirements of CMMC 2.0. We’ll identify gaps and provide actionable recommendations to bring your systems up to compliance.
• Preparation for Third-Party Assessments: By working with our team, you can ensure that you are fully prepared for upcoming CMMC third-party assessments (C3PAO). We help you develop the necessary documentation, improve your security controls, and streamline your compliance efforts to meet the new requirements by September 2025.
• Ongoing Compliance Support: The cybersecurity landscape is ever-changing. At Ace of Cloud, we provide continuous monitoring and advisory services to ensure that your organization remains compliant as regulations evolve. We’ll keep your cybersecurity practices up to date with the latest standards and help you stay ahead of new threats.
• Certified RPO Expertise: As an RPO, our team of Registered Practitioners (RPs) has the expertise and credentials needed to provide trusted advice and guidance. From helping you perform a self-assessment to getting ready for third-party evaluations, we are committed to helping your business succeed in this critical transition.
Why You Should Act Now
With the first phase of CMMC 2.0 going into effect by March 2025, defense contractors must start preparing today. The clock is ticking, and businesses that delay risk falling behind and losing out on valuable DoD contracts. By partnering with Ace of Cloud, you can ensure that your business is ready for every stage of CMMC implementation, from self-assessments to full certification.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards CMMC 2.0 compliance. Let Ace of Cloud, your trusted RPO, guide you through the process and secure your place in the defense supply chain.