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Reliable and Comprehensive CMMC Level 2 Assessment Solutions
Achieving Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is no longer optional for defense contractors. The Department of Defense (DoD) requires all organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) to demonstrate compliance at CMMC Level 2, assessed by a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) authorized by The Cyber AB. Backed by deep expertise in NIST SP 800-171 and the CMMC framework, our certified assessors deliver a professional, thorough, and transparent assessment process tailored to your organization's specific environment and scope.
Why Choose Smithers for Your CMMC Level 2 Assessment?
Accurate Data. On Time, with High Touch.
Smithers believes there is a very basic foundational value when offering third-party assessments. Many C3PAOs complete an assessment and move on. We take a different approach. Our assessors are focused on relationships — working with your organization across multiple processes and over a multi-year compliance life-cycle means you benefit from continuity, familiarity, and an assessor team that genuinely understands your environment. We consistently strive to deliver this by:
- Responsive service from our dedicated team, with requests acknowledged and actioned in hours, not days or weeks.
- Transparent quotation process and pricing — no surprises, no scope creep, and no ambiguity in what you are paying for.
- Pricing predictability and process stability across your entire CMMC compliance life-cycle, including triennial reassessments and POA&M close-outs.
- Invitations to complimentary in-person client events. The Smithers team is actively engaged in the CMMC standards and oversight community, and we share these insights with our clients to ensure they are prepared for emerging regulatory changes.
- Access to our 24/7/365 secure client portal. Gain complete visibility of assessment scheduling, reports, document uploads, nonconformity trend data, customizable reporting, and certificate copies.
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Plus:
- Authorized C3PAO Status: Smithers is authorized by the Cyber AB to conduct official CMMC Level 2 assessments. Your certification will be recognized by the DoD and uploaded directly to the CMMC Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Services (eMASS) database.
- Certified CMMC Assessors (CCAs): Our assessment team consists of Certified CMMC Assessors and Lead CCAs with extensive technical experience in implementing and evaluating the 110 controls and 320 objectives required under NIST SP 800-171 Revision 2.
- Relationship-Driven Assessment Teams: You will work with the same assessors across your compliance journey. This continuity reduces on-boarding friction, accelerates future assessments, and ensures your team is never starting from zero.
- Tailored Assessment Methodology: No two organizations — or assessment scopes — are identical. Our assessors select the most cost-effective and appropriate assessment methods for your environment, whether on-site, remote, or hybrid.
- Actionable Findings and Clear Reporting: Our detailed assessment reports go beyond a pass/fail determination. We provide clear documentation of findings, evidence reviewed, and — where applicable — practical guidance to support POA&M development and remediation.
Our CMMC Assessment Process
- Pre-Assessment Planning: We work with you to define your assessment scope, confirm readiness, and establish a timeline. If desired, we can conduct a formal mock assessment prior to the on-the-record evaluation to identify gaps before they affect your score.
- Documentation and System Review: A thorough review of your System Security Plan (SSP), policies, procedures, and supporting evidence against all CMMC Level 2 requirements, including all 14 NIST SP 800-171 control families.
- Assessment Execution: Using a combination of examination, interviews, and testing, our assessors evaluate whether your security controls are implemented, operational, and effective across your in-scope systems and personnel.
- Results Reporting and Certification: We share final assessment results with your organization, upload them to eMASS, and issue your official CMMC certification — valid for three years.
Benefits of CMMC Level 2 Certification
- Maintained Contract Eligibility: Retain and pursue DoD contracts that require the handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) without interruption.
- Strengthened Cybersecurity Posture: Demonstrating compliance with NIST SP 800-171 reduces your organization's exposure to cyber threats targeting the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).
- Pricing and Process Predictability: Working with the same C3PAO across your multi-year compliance life-cycle delivers consistent assessment methodology and eliminates the cost and disruption of on-boarding a new assessor team every three years.
- Competitive Advantage: CMMC certification signals to DoD program offices, prime contractors, and partners that your organization takes the protection of sensitive federal data seriously.
- Risk Reduction: A rigorous third-party assessment identifies control gaps before they become liabilities — operational, contractual, or legal.
Start Your CMMC Certification with Confidence
Your path to CMMC Level 2 certification starts with selecting the right C3PAO. Smithers brings the authorized credentials, certified expertise, and relationship-first approach that defense contractors need from a long-term compliance partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About CMMC Assessments
What is a CMMC Level 2 assessment?
A CMMC Level 2 assessment is an official third-party evaluation conducted by a C3PAO authorized by The Cyber AB. It verifies that a defense contractor has implemented all 110 security requirements defined in NIST SP 800-171 Revision 2 across its systems and processes. The assessment is required by the DoD for contractors that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and wish to remain eligible for applicable defense contracts.
Who is required to obtain CMMC Level 2 certification?
Any DoD contractor or subcontractor whose scope includes the processing, storage, or transmission of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is required to achieve CMMC Level 2 certification. Contractors handling only Federal Contract Information (FCI) may be eligible for CMMC Level 1, which allows for self-assessment.
Can a defense contractor self-certify for CMMC Level 2?
No. Under CMMC 2.0, Level 2 certification for most CUI-handling contractors requires a formal third-party assessment conducted by an authorized C3PAO. Self-assessment is not a permissible path to Level 2 certification for the majority of applicable organizations.
How much does a CMMC Level 2 assessment cost?
Assessment costs vary based on several factors, including the size of your organization, the complexity of your assessment boundary, your existing cybersecurity posture, and the scope of CUI within your environment. Smithers provides transparent, itemized quotes to ensure you understand exactly what is included. Contact us to request a quote.
How long does the CMMC certification process take?
The duration depends on your organization's size, scope, and readiness at the time of assessment. Preparation and planning can take several months; the formal assessment itself may span days to weeks. Organizations that have invested in readiness preparation prior to engaging a C3PAO typically move through the process more efficiently. Smithers can help you determine a realistic timeline during the pre-assessment planning phase.
What happens if my organization does not pass the CMMC assessment?
If your organization does not meet all requirements, you will be required to develop a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) identifying deficiencies and remediation timelines for select requirements scored as not met. Once those items are addressed, Smithers can conduct a close-out assessment to verify remediation and finalize your certification status.
How long is CMMC Level 2 certification valid?
CMMC Level 2 certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance. Organizations must undergo reassessment at the end of each certification period and maintain continuous compliance throughout to remain eligible for applicable DoD contracts.
Begin Your CMMC Assessment with a Certified Partner
CMMC compliance is a multi-year commitment. Partner with a C3PAO that will be there with you every step of the way — from initial scoping through triennial reassessment — with consistent pricing, consistent personnel, and an assessment approach built around your organization's success.