The Cybersecurity maturity model certification (CMMC) is a security model created by the Department of War (DOW) to help ensure the protection and integrity of controlled unclassified information (CUI) across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). CMMC compliance is required for any private contractor working within the DIB or supplies services to an organization that does. This means that CMMC compliance is not a choice, but rather a requirement if your company wants to do business with the DIB. Enlisting the help of a certified MSP can help reduce audit costs, make achieving compliance efficient, and give your organization greater confidence in its ability to pass a third-party audit.
The CMMC Model
CMMC consists of three "maturity levels" each building upon the previous one. Your organizations first step should be determining which level you must comply with. This will depend on the type of information your organization is handling.
Level 1 - Foundational
The first level of the new CMMC model covers the most foundational level of cyber hygiene and includes practices such as password policies, MFA, and security awareness training. There are 17 controls within level 1 and applies to organizations that handle Federal Contract Information (FCI). At this level, contractors must submit a self-attestation to SPRS.
Level 2 - Advanced
Level 2 of CMMC is for organization that are responsible for more CUI and are part of maintaining critical infrastructure. Level 2 organizations must implement all 110 controls of the NIST 800-171 framework and undergo a third-party audit conducted by a C3PAO.
Level 3 - Expert
The highest level of compliance for CMMC, the advanced level requires contractors to implement all 110 NIST 800-171 controls alongside other more advanced practices to account for the higher risk of the CUI present. Contractors must pass a third-party audit conducted by the DIBCAC.
Why Use an MSP?
Most organization have some form of internal IT staff that are responsible for software, hardware, and general IT problems that crop up now and again. Usually made up of 1-3 employees in smaller organizations, these teams often aren't enough to keep up with the increasing security and compliance demands for contractors. This is where a managed service provider (MSP), known as an ESP, External Service Provider under CMMC parlance, with a focus in cybersecurity and compliance can help.
A qualified MSP/ESP can handle the IT requirements and security policies that an internal IT staff wouldn't be able to on their own. This takes the pressure off of your company and lets your employees focus on what's important -- growing your business.
MSP/ESP's can also save your organization money in the long run. Becoming and staying compliant is an expensive affair, a cost most small businesses will have trouble working into their yearly budget. An MSP/ESP has access to all of the tools necessary to secure your business and get you compliant without breaking the bank. CorpInfoTech specializes in providing enterprise level security tools to SMB's that have the desire to stay secure and compliant.
CMMC is based off of NIST 800-171, a security framework that requires contractors to implement over 100 different security controls. This takes time and expertise that a small internal IT staff couldn't handle alone. An effective MSP/ESP has the technical expertise and resources available to implement the most advanced security controls for contractors. One of the benefits of using CorpInfoTech managed service offering is that we can work in a fully or co managed capacity. We aren't seeking to replace your hard-working IT staff, but rather to come alongside them and give them the tools and help they need to protect your business.
The Importance of Compliance
As previously mentioned, CMMC is required for companies contracted by to DOD or working within the DIB. If your organization wants to keep its existing contracts or pursue new ones, then compliance must be a priority. Unfortunately, becoming CMMC compliant isn't fast or easy. Commitment to securing your organization takes time and effort, you can't afford to take half measures.
CorpInfoTech, a CMMC L2 Certified MSP
CorpInfoTech is a CMMC L2 certified MSP that specializes in helping small-medium sized contractors achieve compliance. Through our certification, we are able to cover 200+ of the 320 assessment objectives required by CMMC L2. Our services are also enterprise certified, allowing us to secure and protect your on-premises CUI without the rigid boundaries of an enclave. CorpInfoTech isn't only concerned with helping your organization achieve CMMC compliance. Our services help you with the initial scoping, documentation, and ongoing remediation efforts as well. For organizations that require CMMC L1 compliance, we utilize the CIS Controls, an industry standard framework, to bolster your security and compliance posture. As a CIS-accredited business under CREST, our expertise in the controls has been externally validated.
From start to finish, CorpInfoTech can help your business achieve and maintain its compliance goals!
A qualified MSP/ESP can help you reach your compliance goals, contact CorpInfoTech today to make sure you're doing compliance the right way! We can find and fix compliance gaps, start your pathway to CMMC compliance today.
Reach Out to Stay and Compliance
Key Takeaways
- CMMC compliance is a requirement for doing business in the DIB. If your organization works with the DoD—or supports a contractor that does—CMMC readiness will directly impact your ability to win and retain contracts.
- CMMC is more than IT—it’s an operational commitment. Achieving compliance requires planning, documentation, evidence collection, and continuous remediation—not just technology upgrades.
- A qualified MSP/ESP can reduce complexity, cost, and audit risk. The right partner brings proven tools, processes, and expertise to help implement controls efficiently while strengthening long-term cybersecurity maturity.
- MSPs should support—not replace—your internal IT team. A co-managed approach allows your organization to retain control while gaining access to enterprise-grade security resources and compliance expertise.
CMMC Update 11/10 Phase 1 Rollout: CMMC compliance is now mandatory for all new Department of War (formerly DoD) contracts as of November 10, 2025. During Phase 1, organizations handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) must complete a Level 1 self-assessment and submit it to the Supplier Risk Performance System (SRPS) before contract award, while some contractors may also need Level 2 assessments. Prime contracts may ask of their supply chain to be Level CMMC certified at any point during the rollout phases.
CorpInfoTech, a Managed Service Provider (MSP) with over 25 years in the SMB space, is a trusted partner for business pursuing compliance and cybersecurity. We are a CMMC Level 2 (C3PAO) certified MSP and a Cyber AB Registered Provider Organization (RPO). Also, as the first CIS accredited organization, we help organizations implement the CIS controls as it pertains to CMMC and your overall cybersecurity posture. CorpInfoTech is your trusted partner for secure, compliant growth in every changing digital landscape.
