Our Journey to CMMC: Why It Matters, What We Learned, and What’s Next

Our Journey to CMMC: Why It Matters, What We Learned, and What’s Next

As a Managed Service Provider (MSP), cybersecurity has always been at the core of what we do. But stepping into the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) process was a new challenge. Initially working to achieve Level 1 certification—focused on protecting Federal Contract Information (FCI)—has been a journey of learning, adaptation, and persistence.

Why We Chose CMMC

This wasn’t just about compliance. For us, pursuing CMMC Level 1 was about both supporting our customers in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Their ability to win and maintain Department of Defense (DoD) contracts depends on meeting CMMC standards, as well as participating in protecting the national security interests of our country.

As their MSP, we play a critical role in their IT and cybersecurity infrastructure. Achieving our own certification demonstrated that we not only understand their challenges but are equipped to help them succeed.

Key Lessons We Learned

The path isn’t easy. Here are the biggest takeaways from what we've learned so far in our journey:

1. CMMC is Complex: For an MSP, the roles, certifications, and requirements—like Registered Practitioners and Certified Assessors—can be overwhelming at first. It took time to educate our team and align with the evolving framework.
2. Documentation is a Heavy Lift: Writing policies, documenting procedures, and conducting internal audits took significant resources. Balancing this with delivering top-tier service to our customers tested our team’s commitment and planning.
3. Collaboration is Crucial: Our customers are ultimately responsible for compliance. Helping them align their IT environments with CMMC requirements required close partnership, frequent communication, and trust.

It has also unlocked new opportunities:

The journey wasn’t just about challenges. It created new opportunities:

• Stronger Customer Partnerships: By navigating CMMC ourselves, we’ve positioned ourselves as trusted experts. Customers know we understand their needs firsthand.
• A Cybersecurity-First Culture: This process strengthened our internal practices, making our organization—and our customers—more resilient.
• Streamlined Operations: The documentation and procedural improvements we made have long-term value, preparing us for future certifications like CMMC Level 2.

What’s Next

Our immediate goal is to finalize our Level 1 attestation. Once completed, we’ll shift focus to preparing for Level 2 certification.

We’re also enhancing our support for government contractors by expanding services to include documentation, policy updates, and ongoing compliance activities.

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about certifications—it’s about two things

1. Helping our customers succeed. When they win contracts and grow their businesses, we succeed too.
2. Protecting our strategic assets from our adversaries, we are participating in helping to secure and protect our national security interests.