When the Department of Defense (DoD) first rolled out the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), it was meant to be an evolution; a push for better cyber hygiene across the defense industrial base. Let's be real, any time the government dictates how the private sector should operate, it's going to stir up controversy. What made CMMC different was the creation of a whole new ecosystem: a government mandate, managed by a non-profit, and executed by a cottage industry of for-profit auditors. It's no surprise that this led to confusion. After a 2.0 reboot, CMMC still has companies scratching their heads as they prepare to handle government-labeled Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
In big enterprises, cybersecurity is its own dedicated kingdom. But as organizations get leaner, those roles are often either outsourced or folded into other IT functions. If your company has already mastered frameworks like ISO 20000-1 or 27001, you might see CMMC as a familiar neighbor. This is where the analogy gets tricky. CMMC is adjacent in the same way Alpha Centauri is adjacent to our own solar system. You can see it, you know it's there, but the journey to get across that chasm is a whole different ballgame.
For many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), this presents a massive dilemma. Every path forward requires significant investment. Even the government loosely estimates these costs around at least $75,000. The reality is that most organizations exceed six figures. These costs often get passed on, putting pressure on pricing and competitiveness. The options are clear:
- Outsource everything. Hand it all off to a Managed Service Provider (MSP).
- Outsource some of it. Bring in a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) for specialized help.
- Insource and DIY. Take your existing expertise and build a CMMC-ready program from the ground up.
The less you've invested in in-house security and IT, the more appealing outsourcing becomes. But remember, an MSP can't just "grandfather you in." CMMC is an organizational-level certification; there’s no inheriting accreditation.
This leaves many mid-tier and rapidly growing businesses in a unique spot. You have a capable team, a strong security posture, and a history with compliance—but you're not swimming in cash to just throw at a full-scale outsourcing solution.
And this is where the mock audit comes in.
Unless you're hiring former government cybersecurity experts who have both implemented and assessed systems for an Authority To Operate (ATO), you'll struggle to grasp the rigor required for CMMC. A mock audit is the ultimate reality check. It allows your "Organization Seeking Certification" (OSC), a CMMC term of art, to run through an actual assessment process and uncover the gaps. When done in tandem with a planned follow-on audit, it gives you the time to prepare and pivot, shifting your perspective to the system-centric view that CMMC demands.
A mock audit is often more effective and significantly less expensive than traditional advisory services. It’s a chance to kick the tires with your auditor, receive the same kind of feedback you would from a full assessment, and—most importantly—avoid a dreaded Program of Actions & Milestones (POA&M) after a less-than-perfect audit, which can create serious headaches with contracts and bidding.
There is no "easy button" for CMMC certification. It takes time, money, and a frank assessment of your current investments, skillsets, and comfort with other frameworks. Understanding where your organization stands on the outsourcing-to-insourcing spectrum is a vital first step. Once you know your position, the path to CMMC, while still not trivial, becomes a much more manageable journey.
Call to Action:
For those of you with teams already familiar with ISO 20000-1 and 27001, CMMC can feel like a familiar, yet distant, planet. The best way to understand this challenge is to talk with others. Find orgs who have certified and ask them what they did, do an internal assessment, and connect with peers who can give you insights and recommendations.