CMMC Assessment Checklist
If you think you are ready for a CMMC assessment, use this resource to test where you actually are before contacting a professional.
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Three Reasons to Schedule Your CMMC Assessment Now
Phase 1 of CMMC went into effect on November 10, 2025. Here are three reasons to schedule your CMMC assessment with a C3PAO (CMMC Third-Party Assessor Organization) now.
1. C3PAO Calendars are Filling Up
With the rollout of CMMC 2.0 and the beginning of Phase 1, the DoW expects organizations handling CUI to demonstrate verifiable compliance through a third-party assessment for high-priority programs. There are far more DIB organizations than there are assessors, which means as time progresses, C3PAO schedules will quickly reach capacity. Even if you are not assessment-ready right now, getting on a C3PAO’s schedule as soon as possible is a good idea.
2. Competitive Advantage
Organizations that do not have to pass a third-party assessment in the near future will likely opt for a self-assessment as long as possible. However, these organizations will have to schedule a third-party assessment eventually. In the interim, your company can move ahead and secure contract eligibility with a third-party confirmation of your compliance. This will give your organization the advantage moving forward.
3. Threat Actors Have Become More Sophisticated
Nation-state actors and organized cybercriminal groups have turned their focus toward small and mid-sized contractors, which are the companies least able to absorb the impact of a breach. CMMC Level 2 certification attests to the strength of an organization’s defenses against credential theft, lateral movement, cloud misconfigurations, and supply-chain intrusion.
How Smithers Can Help
Smithers is an authorized C3PAO, which means we are able to conduct your CMMC Level 2 assessment. With 30 years of auditing experiencing and 100 years in business, Smithers is one of the most well-respected C3PAOs in the CMMC ecosystem. Contact us today to schedule a time to discuss your organization’s needs.