Preparing for a CMMC Assessment A State-by-State Checklist

1. Preparing for a CMMC Assessment: A State-by-State Checklist Why CMMC Assessments Matter for DoW Contractors The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is not just another compliance requirement — it’s a gateway to winning and maintaining Department of Defence contracts. Every defence contractor and subcontractor must demonstrate that they can safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI). Failing a CMMC assessment can result in lost contracts, penalties, or exclusion from DoWopportunities. That’s why early preparation and expert guidance are essential. Key Steps in Preparing for a CMMC Assessment To achieve a successful CMMC Level 2assessment, every business should follow these core steps: Conduct a gap analysis to identify compliance gaps against NIST 800-171 controls. Develop a System Security Plan (SSP) documenting all your cybersecurity practices. Create a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) to address any deficiencies. Implement cybersecurity controls, such as MFA, encryption, and endpoint protection. Train your workforce on cybersecurity awareness and incident reporting. Engage a Registered Provider Organisation (RPO) for readiness guidance before formal assessment.

2. CMMC Readiness in Washington, DC Washington, DC, contractors handle sensitive defence data daily. The CMMC compliance in the Washington DC, landscape emphasises strong incident response, SIEM tools, and continuous monitoring. Local businesses should focus on: Implementing FIPS 140-2 validated encryption Conducting internal security audits quarterly Preparing documentation for CMMC Level 2 self-assessment Partnering with a local CMMC consultant in DC ensures that all compliance activities align with DoW and NIST guidelines. Preparing for CMMC in Virginia Virginia’s thriving defence and IT sectors mean that CMMC compliance in Virginia is more competitive than ever. Many small manufacturers and tech companies need to upgrade their IT infrastructure for certification readiness. Essential steps include: Ensuring network segmentation between CUI and non-CUI data Deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions Maintaining a clear asset inventory Virginia contractors can also leverage state-funded cybersecurity programs to assist in compliance preparation.

3. Maryland’s Aerospace & Defence Sector Compliance Needs Maryland, a hub for aerospace and defence contractors, faces unique compliance challenges. Achieving CMMC compliance in Maryland requires integrating ITAR and CMMC standards. Focus areas for Maryland-based companies: Securing supply chain partners with CMMC-aligned controls Conducting third-party vendor risk assessments Documenting system configurations and patch management A certified CMMC consultant in Maryland can help streamline documentation and ensure smooth audit readiness. Florida’s DoW Contractor Landscape Florida’s growing defence manufacturing sector is actively pursuing CMMC compliance to meet Dow cybersecurity mandates. Recommended actions: Perform a CMMC Level 2 self-assessment before scheduling an external audit Secure remote access through Zero Trust Architecture Strengthen backup and disaster recovery plans Local IT and MSP partners in Florida can assist with compliance automation and audit documentation.

4. CMMC Compliance Checklist for New York New York’s defence suppliers and technology firms must meet strict cybersecurity standards. For CMMC compliance in New York, companies should: Review access controls and identity management systems Conduct regular penetration testing Keep updated POA&M records for auditor review Document every cybersecurity policy and implementation step. A CMMC Level 2 assessment guide tailored for New York businesses can simplify compliance preparation. Common Mistakes to Avoid During CMMC Preparation Even experienced contractors make these costly mistakes: Treating CMMC as a one-time event instead of an ongoing process. Using outdated or generic security documentation. Failing to train employees on compliance responsibilities. Overlooking supply chain security is a key audit focus area.

5. How Expert Consulting Simplifies CMMC Assessments Working with a CMMC Registered Provider Organisation (RPO) like PlatformOne ensures complete readiness. Our experts conduct mock assessments, fix non-compliance gaps, and guide you through every step of the CMMC certification process. We help businesses in DC, Virginia, Maryland, Florida, and New York build robust, compliant cybersecurity programs tailored to their contracts and risk profiles. Final Checklist: State-by-State Readiness Guide StateKey Focus AreasRecommendedActionWashington, DCDocumentation, Incident ResponseReview policies & conduct mock auditsVirginiaNetwork Segmentation, EDRPerform CMMC Level 2 self-assessmentMarylandSupply Chain SecurityAlign ITAR & CMMC requirementsFloridaBackup, Zero TrustEngage local MSP for readinessNewYorkAccess Control, POA&MSchedule internal gap analysis Conclusion: Build Confidence with CMMC Compliance Support Whether your business is in DC, Virginia, Maryland, Florida, or New York, preparing for a CMMC assessment doesn’t have to be complex. With the right partner and strategy, you can achieve certification faster, win more DoD contracts, and strengthen your cybersecurity posture.