In the realm of Department of Defense (DOD) cybersecurity, compliance is a paramount concern, particularly for defense contractors who store, process, and or transmit Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI). The introduction of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework has brought both challenges and opportunities for businesses aiming to secure federal contracts.
One of the initial components of the CMMC initiative, a program that aims to safeguard DOD information, is the Joint Surveillance Voluntary Assessment Program (JSVAP). The JSVAP is an early adopter assessment option before the CMMC rulemaking process is complete. Now that CMMC is in the final rulemaking phase, it’s time to explore the significance of the JSVAP, the urgency to partner with an Authorized C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization), and why time is of the essence to ensure your organization’s success in the government contracting arena.
JSVAP – You May Have Missed the Boat
The JSVAP is a crucial element of the CMMC journey, serving as a means to achieve certification and demonstrate an organization’s commitment to cybersecurity. However, as the demand for JSVAP certification assessments has surged, the available assessment schedule is now fully booked through the end of 2023. For many organizations, this might feel like missing the boat, especially for those who were slow to recognize the importance of the CMMC framework.
A Glimmer of Hope
While the current situation regarding JSVAP certification might seem discouraging, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. There’s a small chance that JSVAP will open a limited number of slots towards the end of this year and possibly early next year. Although this possibility is not guaranteed, it underscores the importance of staying vigilant and ready to seize opportunities as they arise. This brings us to the next point: securing your spot in the assessment process by acting now.
Act Now, Partner with a C3PAO
The urgency to act is not just about the immediate availability of JSVAP assessment slots; it’s about positioning your organization for long-term success because once the CMMC rule becomes final, numerous organizations will be fighting for certification. Organizations that want to participate in a JSVAP assessment need to act swiftly, now, to partner with a C3PAO.
A C3PAO is a service provider organization who the Cyber AB has authorized to conduct CMMC certification assessments. Every CMMC certification process begins with the contractor selecting a C3PAO to conduct an assessment. Choosing a C3PAO sooner rather than later will give an Organization Seeking Certification (OSC) a better chance at securing an JSVAP assessment, which is anticipated to grant CMMC L2 certification that will be valid for three years from the date CMMC rulemaking completes and the CMMC framework “goes live”. This forward-thinking approach provides a strategic advantage in an environment where CMMC rulemaking is reaching its final stages. Not only do you gain an edge in the competitive landscape, but you also save valuable time by avoiding the last-minute rush.
Strategic Advantage in Early Adoption
“The early bird catches the worm” holds true in the context of CMMC compliance. Organizations that obtain their certification early are poised to reap significant benefits once the CMMC rule is finalized. When this happens, a flood of contractors will inevitably rush to achieve certification in order to meet contract requirements, potentially causing delays and bottlenecks. By partnering with a C3PAO now, your organization can ensure that it doesn’t drown in the rush, instead riding the crest of the wave towards successful CMMC certification.
Furthermore, early certification isn’t just about avoiding bottlenecks. It’s about being prepared to compete effectively for government contracts. As the CMMC becomes a requirement for securing contracts, organizations that aren’t certified will find themselves at a disadvantage, potentially losing out on valuable opportunities. Being the “early bird” protects your ability to maintain your existing contracts as well as to win new business. Organizations certifying early will hold a competitive advantage over competitors who waited.
If your organization hasn’t yet partnered with a C3PAO, you’re not alone – but time is of the essence. Partnering with a C3PAO to secure your spot in the assessment queue is paramount. At the time of this blog, there are 48 total C3PAOs listed on the Cyber AB Marketplace. Considering there are more than 100,000 Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractors and subcontractors, this ratio is bound to cause intense competition and a bottleneck in the process to obtain CMMC certification once the final rule goes into effect. When choosing a C3PAO, consider organizations like Redspin, which have already completed numerous JSVAP assessments and offer a wealth of experience in JSVAP, cybersecurity, IT, and CMMC related services. The advantage of working with an experienced organization cannot be overstated – it can mean the difference between a smooth certification process and one fraught with challenges.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity compliance, staying ahead of the curve is imperative. The introduction of the CMMC framework and its associated programs, such as JSVAP, have ushered in a new era of accountability for organizations vying for government contracts. As we’ve discussed, the time to act is now. Waiting too long could mean missing out on opportunities, losing contracts, and struggling to navigate a flood of businesses seeking certification once the CMMC rule is finalized.
Partnering with a C3PAO, like Redspin, is not just a strategic move – it’s a necessity for survival in the competitive world of government contracting. By taking action now, your organization can secure its future, demonstrate its commitment to prioritize cybersecurity, and position itself as a reliable partner for government agencies.
How Redspin can help >>
No matter where you are on your CMMC journey, we are here to help you navigate. To begin your path to CMMC compliance, reach out to our team or email info@redspin.com.
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