November 7, 2024 | 3 min read  | Redspin Blog

With the finalization of the 32 CFR rule, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is now a firm requirement for any organization in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) aiming to secure or maintain contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD). Validating DFARS 7012 requirements (enforceable since 2017) through CMMC compliance has become essential. However, scheduling bottlenecks are already emerging as the demand for assessments surges. Getting on the assessment list with a C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization) is now challenging — and the urgency to act is undeniable.

Don’t Wait: Schedules Are Filling Up Fast

With the CMMC rule now finalized, organizations have clear program requirements and a firm enforcement date of December 16th, 2024. The window to get in line and secure your spot is now. Assessment schedules are filling up, and waiting could result in missing out on essential assessment opportunities. By the enforcement deadline, demand for Joint Surveillance Voluntary Assessment Program (JSVAP or JSVA) and CMMC assessments is expected to exceed available certified assessors. Delays now may lead to costly setbacks and lost DoD contract opportunities.

JSVAP – Have You Missed the Boat?

The JSVA offers early CMMC adoption by demonstrating compliance with NIST 800-171 and DFARS requirements. However, with the finalization of CMMC, JSVA slots are already at capacity, leaving some organizations feeling as if they’ve “missed the boat.” With CMMC deadlines in place, organizations must act swiftly to avoid further delays and capitalize on remaining assessment opportunities before they disappear.

Engage with Your External Service Providers (ESPs) Immediately

One essential step is ensuring that your External Service Providers (ESPs) — including Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Cloud Providers, and Managed Security Providers — meet CMMC standards. The final rule specifies that ESPs are now part of your assessment. Any compliance gaps among your ESPs will affect your certification outcome, making it crucial to initiate discussions immediately to verify their readiness.

At the same time, selecting a qualified C3PAO is vital. With only 48 C3PAOs currently listed on the Cyber AB Marketplace for over 100,000 DIB contractors, competition for assessment slots will only intensify. Organizations must be proactive by securing a C3PAO early, ideally one with deep expertise and proven success in JSVAP assessments, like Redspin. Redspin’s extensive experience can make all the difference, ensuring your certification journey is as smooth and successful as possible.

A Glimmer of Hope

While scheduling and timing challenges might seem discouraging, there’s hope in the progress of building out the CMMC ecosystem. Efforts to train CMMC Certified Professionals (CCPs) and advance them to Certified Assessors (CCAs) are ramping up, bringing more qualified assessors into the ecosystem. This growth aims to address current bottlenecks by expanding assessment capacity. However, even as the ecosystem develops, organizations that act now will be best positioned to secure priority in the assessment process. Staying proactive and prepared will be crucial as this expanding pool of assessors becomes available.

Act Early to Secure Your Future

In the realm of CMMC, the early bird truly does catch the worm. Organizations that address CMMC ahead of their competitors will gain significant strategic advantages. By moving now, you’re safeguarding your existing contracts and positioning your business to win new opportunities that others might miss due to delayed compliance. CMMC is a requirement for future DoD contracts, and early certification is a decisive advantage. Like those Black Friday shoppers who line up early to grab the best deals before shelves are empty, being first in line for CMMC certification allows you to avoid the rush, secure your spot, and access opportunities that latecomers may lose out on. When the December 16th enforcement date arrives, companies already prepared will be miles ahead while others scramble to get assessed amid increasing bottlenecks.

By achieving certification early, your organization won’t just be checking a compliance box — you’ll be taking a proactive stance, demonstrating reliability and commitment to the DoD. Early movers not only avoid delays but can also leverage their CMMC status as a selling point, highlighting their dedication to security and readiness to partners and primes in the government contracting space.

The urgency to act is not just about the immediate availability of assessment slots; it’s about positioning your organization for long-term success because now that the CMMC

The Time is Now

If your organization hasn’t yet partnered with a C3PAO, now is the time. Partnering with an experienced C3PAO, like Redspin, is essential for securing your place in the assessment queue. Just as savvy Black Friday shoppers know the value of planning and getting in line early, organizations that lock in a trusted partner now will be positioned to navigate the certification journey smoothly. With a strong track record in JSVAP assessments and deep expertise in cybersecurity and CMMC, Redspin can help guide you through the intricacies of compliance, making the entire process faster, more precise, and more efficient.

Don’t wait until the last minute when assessment slots are scarce and high demand creates a frenzied bottleneck. By acting now, your organization can stay ahead of the curve, meet DoD requirements confidently, and position itself as a trusted and reliable contractor in the highly competitive defense sector.

How Redspin can help >>

No matter where you are on your CMMC journey, we are here to help. To begin your path to CMMC compliance, contact our team or email info@redspin.com.