CMMC Level 2 Certification
Protect Your Defense Contracts with Our CMMC Level 2 Certification
The Department of Defense (DoD) requires CMMC Level 2 certification for contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). As an authorized C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization), databrackets provides the independent third-party assessments you need to achieve and maintain your CMMC Level 2 certification. We deliver structured assessments, clear evidence mapping, and accurate reporting aligned with DoD and Cyber AB expectations.
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What is CMMC Level 2?
CMMC Level 2 represents the Advanced tier of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification framework. It requires organizations to implement all 110 security requirements from NIST SP 800-171, demonstrating comprehensive protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) across your information systems. If your contract requires a CMMC Level 2 Certification, you need to complete your compliance processes and select an authorized C3PAO to conduct the official assessment.
Why choose databrackets as your C3PAO?
databrackets is an authorized C3PAO with 15+ years of cybersecurity and compliance expertise. We are also a 3PAO for FedRAMP and accredited as a Certifying Body for ISO 27001.
1. Our Multi-Framework Expertise
What makes databrackets particularly valuable is our extensive experience across complementary frameworks, including NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
This breadth of knowledge enables our assessment teams to understand how CMMC controls integrate with your existing compliance efforts and identify synergies that strengthen your overall security posture.
2. Technical Environment Proficiency
databrackets’ assessment team of Lead CCAs, CCAs and CCPs has the specialized technical competence essential for accurate CMMC evaluations. Our experience spans diverse technological environments, from traditional on-premises infrastructures to complex cloud deployments, ensuring we can effectively assess whatever technical landscape your organization operates in.
3. Strategic Timeline Management
With proven capabilities in managing sophisticated assessments, databrackets understands how to minimize disruption to your operations while ensuring comprehensive evaluation of all 110 NIST SP 800-171 security controls.
As a authorized C3PAO with extensive cybersecurity and compliance experience, databrackets offers a deep understanding of the CMMC assessment process. This comprehensive expertise enables us to conduct thorough assessments with clear explanations of findings and methodologies, resulting in more insightful evaluations for organizations seeking certification.
Learn more about selecting the right C3PAO for your Assessment
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C3PAO Independence rule: All certification professionals (C3PAOs, CCAs, Lead CCAs and CCPs) are absolutely prohibited from providing compliance consulting, implementation guidance, or remediation services to organizations they assess for certification. This ensures objective evaluation and prevents conflicts of interest. However, they can offer consulting and implementation to organizations that they do not assess for CMMC certification.
Explore our comprehensive blogs on CMMC
Our CMMC Level 2 Assessment Process
Phase 1: Pre-Assessment Preparation
The engagement begins with scoping CUI systems, reviewing readiness artifacts, and confirming that documentation, personnel, and facilities are prepared for the formal assessment.
Phase 2: Assessment
Assessors evaluate compliance through structured document review, personnel interviews, and technical testing to verify that CMMC Level 2 controls are implemented and functioning as required.
Phase 3: Reporting & Scoring
Results are documented on a control-by-control basis, evidence is scored, and eligibility for conditional certification and POA&Ms is determined.
Phase 4: POA&M Remediation & Certification Finalization
When applicable, organizations remediate eligible gaps within the allowed timeframe and undergo closeout validation to achieve final CMMC Level 2 certification.
Learn more about each phase, whether C3PAOs can explain their recommendations and how to prepare for your CMMC Certification in the FAQ Section below.
Can a C3PAO explain their findings after an assessment?
Answer: Yes, C3PAOs are allowed and expected to explain their findings clearly and provide clear communication throughout the assessment process. However, there are strict limitations on what they can explain.
What C3PAOs CAN Explain:
- Why specific practices were scored as MET or NOT MET
- What evidence was insufficient or missing
- Which controls are critical vs. non-critical
- Assessment methodology and scoring rationale
What C3PAOs CANNOT Provide:
- Specific remediation advice or guidance on how to fix deficiencies
- Implementation recommendations for failed controls
- Consulting services on how to resolve issues that disqualified certification
POA&M (Plan of Action & Milestones) Role: C3PAOs can
- Identify which controls are eligible for POA&M placement
- Explain the POA&M process and 180-day remediation timeline
- Describe critical vs. non-critical control distinctions
- Cannot provide: Specific remediation strategies or implementation guidance
Cost and Assessment Timeline
The cost of your CMMC Level 2 Assessment depends on a variety of factors including your network complexity, your CUI environment, the size of the organization, your infrastructure, your managed security providers, etc. Schedule a Meeting to get a customized quote for your organization.
CMMC Level 2 Assessment Timeline
Phase | Duration | Key Activities |
Pre-Assessment Preparation | 2-4 weeks | Scoping, documentation review, logistics coordination |
Assessment | 1-2 weeks | Interviews, document examination, technical testing |
Reporting & Scoring | 1-2 weeks | Findings documentation, scoring, certification decision |
Total Timeline | 4-8 weeks | Complete assessment from initiation to certification decision |
The timelines mentioned above are for a basic environment. Our team may need to extend the duration for complex environments. The timeline may also vary based on organizational complexity, assessment scope, and readiness level.
The time taken for POA&M Remediation & Certification Finalization is not mandatory. POA&Ms have a 180-day completion deadline from Conditional certification date. The assessment timeline will increase accordingly.
CMMC Level 2 Mock Assessment and Final Assessment Bundle
Proceed with knowledge. Save up to 30%
Undergo a “pre-assessment readiness check” or “mock” assessment in accordance with the actual CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) after you have completed implementing the required 110 controls of NIST SP 800-171. This trial run will help you to understand how the actual assessment is conducted and help you to identify the areas of improvement you need to work on before the actual assessment.
Our certified assessors will conduct the assessment of all 110 controls and share details of met and unmet practices. As a C3PAO, we are bound by the independence principle, and we are not permitted to share recommendations for remediation with the organization that we will be assessing for Certification. However, we are permitted to let you know which practices are unmet so you can work on them with your CMMC Consultants or RPO and be ready for the Final Assessment. This knowledge will help you prevent the loss of time and resources and take you many steps closer to succeeding in your CMMC Certification Journey.
Schedule a Meeting to discuss the best option for your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a CMMC roadmap to help organizations navigate the process?
Answer: Once you decide to pursue a DoD contract, you need to go undertake your CMMC Journey in a systematic manner. Your CMMC Roadmap will begin with identifying which level you need to comply with, the controls required for that level and whether you need to be certified or submit a self attestation for your specific contract. You can learn about CMMC Documentation, Creating your SSP, Working with CMMC Compliance and Certification Professionals, Preparing for your Certification, Selecting the right C3PAO and much more by reviewing our free resources.
How should you prepare for your CMMC Certification?
Answer: Learn about the assessment mindset and three pillars of CMMC Assessment Evidence in our comprehensive blog. You can also benefit from success strategies for all 4 phases of the assessment process, learn how to turn challenges into opportunities and maximize your certification value.
How will you know if you are ready for a Level 2 Certification Assessment?
Answer:
If You’re Early in Your Journey: Focus on compliance preparation first. Engage a CMMC Consultant or an RPO for gap analysis and implementation support. Build your security program methodically. Don’t rush to assessment before you’re ready—failure wastes time and money. databrackets offers Compliance Consulting and Gap Analysis services to organizations that we don’t assess for Certification – this complies with the independence principle for C3PAOs.
If You’re Nearing Readiness: Schedule a mock assessment to validate preparation. Address any identified gaps. Organize your evidence library. Brief your team on assessment expectations. Then engage a C3PAO to schedule your formal assessment. We offer mock assessments and identification of unmet practices during this trial run. You can work on these areas with your CMMC consultant or RPO before your actual assessment.
If You’re Ready Now: Contact databrackets to discuss C3PAO assessment services. With limited C3PAO availability and high demand, scheduling early ensures you secure assessment slots that align with your contract timelines.
If You’re Uncertain: Schedule a Meeting with our team. We can help you understand where you are in the journey, what preparation remains, and what timeline makes sense for your situation. This initial discussion is complimentary and creates no obligation.
What is Phase 1 of databrackets’ CMMC Level 2 Assessment Process?
Answer: Phase 1 is Pre-Assessment Preparation
Scoping and Documentation Review
Define assessment boundaries and CUI systems
Review System Security Plan (SSP) and security documentation
Verify evidence collection and organization
Confirm personnel availability and facility access
What You’ll Need:
Complete System Security Plan (SSP)
Network architecture diagrams and data flow documentation
Security policies and procedures for all 14 domains
Evidence of control implementation (logs, screenshots, configurations)
Training records and awareness program documentation
What is Phase 2 of databrackets’ CMMC Level 2 Assessment Process?
Answer: Phase 2 is Assessment
Opening Meeting
Assessment team introductions and logistics
Scope confirmation and methodology overview
Communication protocols and schedule review
Document Review
Comprehensive evaluation of your SSP
Policy and procedure documentation verification
Evidence package assessment
Gap identification and clarification requests
Personnel Interviews
Executive leadership discussions on security governance
IT and security team technical implementation reviews
End-user security awareness verification
Role-based security practice validation
Technical Testing
Security control functionality verification
Configuration review and validation
Access control testing
Encryption implementation verification
Logging and monitoring capability assessment
Incident response capability evaluation
What is Phase 3 of databrackets’ CMMC Level 2 Assessment Process?
Answer: Phase 3 is Reporting & Scoring
Findings Documentation
Detailed assessment report with control-by-control findings
Evidence evaluation and scoring
Observations and recommendations
POA&M eligibility determination (if applicable)
Certification Decision
Final Status: All requirements met – full certification for 3 years
Conditional Status: 80%+ score with approved POA&M – certification with 180-day remediation timeline
Not Achieved: Below 80% threshold – reassessment required after remediation
CMMC Level 2 Assessment Outcomes
Final Certification
When your organization demonstrates full compliance with all 110 CMMC Level 2 requirements, you receive Final certification status:
Valid for 3 Years from assessment completion
Immediate Contract Eligibility for all CMMC Level 2 requirements
Annual Affirmation required in SPRS
No Remediation Required – full compliance achieved
Conditional Certification
If your organization achieves the 80% threshold (88+ practices met) but has non-critical gaps, you may receive Conditional certification:
Contract Award Permitted while addressing remaining gaps
180-Day POA&M Timeline to complete remediation
Closeout Assessment Required to achieve Final status
POA&M Restrictions Apply – only non-critical controls eligible
What is Phase 4 of databrackets’ CMMC Level 2 Assessment Process?
Answer: Phase 4 is POA&M Remediation & Certification Finalization
Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) provide a structured approach to addressing remaining gaps while maintaining certification eligibility:
POA&M Requirements:
Minimum 88 of 110 practices must be Met (80% threshold)
Only non-critical security requirements eligible (point values ≤ 1)
Specific encryption exemptions may apply
Detailed remediation plan with milestones and responsible parties
180-day completion deadline from Conditional certification date
Transition to Final Status: After successful POA&M completion and closeout assessment verification, organizations achieve Final CMMC Level 2 certification with a three-year validity.
Can C3PAOs Explain Their Findings?
Answer: Yes, C3PAOs are allowed and expected to explain their findings clearly and provide clear communication throughout the assessment process. However, there are strict limitations on what they can explain.
What C3PAOs CAN Explain:
Why specific practices were scored as MET or NOT MET
What evidence was insufficient or missing
Which controls are critical vs. non-critical
Assessment methodology and scoring rationale
What C3PAOs CANNOT Provide:
Specific remediation advice or guidance on how to fix deficiencies
Implementation recommendations for failed controls
Consulting services on how to resolve issues that disqualified certification
POA&M (Plan of Action & Milestones) Role: C3PAOs can
Identify which controls are eligible for POA&M placement
Explain the POA&M process and 180-day remediation timeline
Describe critical vs. non-critical control distinctions
Cannot provide: Specific remediation strategies or implementation guidance
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