CMMC Certification: A Cost-Effective Approach for Small Defense Contractors

These costs are simply out of reach for many small businesses, especially those with fewer than 10 employees.

As someone who’s been in the industry since 1979, I’ve witnessed the implementation of various standards and regulations, from ISO 9001 in the 1980s to ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

However, nothing quite compares to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) in terms of implementation costs and complexity.

The CMMC Challenge for Small Businesses

For small defense contractors, the costs associated with CMMC implementation can be staggering:

• Audit Costs: Some C3PAOs (CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organizations) quote up to $100,000 for a week-long audit for a five-person company.

• Implementation Costs: Hiring implementers can be even more expensive.

• Infrastructure Costs: Solutions like Microsoft Azure can cost $10,000 or more per month for just 5 users, without even including email encryption.

These costs are simply out of reach for many small businesses, especially those with fewer than 10 employees. Yet, as Department of Defense (DoD) contractors, they must obtain CMMC certification to continue their work.

A Cost-Effective Solution

After extensive research and collaboration, I’ve developed a more affordable approach to CMMC implementation and certification:

• Comprehensive Package: For around $30,000, small businesses can get through implementation and certification.

• Included Services:

  • Implementation support

  • Communication of SPRS score to DoD

  • Maintenance fee for a DoD-approved repository for Contract Unclassified Information (CUI)

  • Secure repository for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and CUI

  • Encrypted transport to and from the repository

  • Encrypted email service

  • Personal Guidance: I provide hands-on support in creating policies, preparing SPRS documentation, and audit preparation.

  • Affordable C3PAO: We help you find a C3PAO that prioritizes service over profit.

The Result: Our clients typically score 110 and achieve certification for less than $30,000, covering the first three years.

Why This Matters

CMMC compliance is crucial for small defense contractors to continue their work with the DoD. By offering a more affordable and comprehensive solution, we’re helping these businesses:

1. Meet DFARS 252.204-7012 and NIST SP 800-171 requirements

2. Protect sensitive information effectively

3. Maintain their competitive edge in the defense industry

Next Steps

If you’re a small defense contractor struggling with the costs of CMMC implementation, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can discuss your specific situation and find a solution that fits your budget while ensuring compliance.

Remember, if you can’t afford CMMC, you can’t afford not to call. Let’s set up a meeting to explore how we can make CMMC certification achievable for your business.

By taking this approach, we’re not just helping individual businesses – we’re strengthening the entire defense supply chain by ensuring that small, innovative contractors can continue to contribute their expertise to national security.

In your corner!

Debra Matthews Hampton, PE

ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 22000, ISO 13485

Passionate about simplifying and creating effective ISO Management Systems  

www.CE-Q.com 

P.S. Ready to strengthen your company with CMMC implementation? Contact us today to learn how this can transform your business operations. Call me on my cell at 229-798-0277 to get started.