As more organizations within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) prepare for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements, partnering with the right Managed Service Provider (MSP) becomes a critical step. Partnering with a qualified and experienced CMMC MSP can make all the difference in achieving and maintaining compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity standards.
Before signing an agreement, organizations should conduct a careful evaluation of their potential MSP CMMC provider. Below are 10 essential questions to ask that will help you determine if your MSP is truly prepared to support your journey to CMMC compliance.
1. What is your experience with CMMC and NIST 800-171 requirements?
CMMC is built upon the NIST 800-171 framework. A CMMC MSP should be well-versed in both, with proven experience implementing controls and security measures in organizations subject to these standards.
2. Have you been assessed or participated in a C3PAO assessment?
It’s one thing for an MSP to understand CMMC requirements; it’s another to have first-hand experience in a Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) assessment. When evaluating a potential CMMC provider, ask whether they have gone through an assessment themselves or supported a client directly during one. This experience provides critical insight into how auditors interpret requirements and what evidence holds up under scrutiny.
3. How do you help organizations define their CUI environment and scope boundaries?
Proper scoping is one of the most challenging aspects of CMMC. Your MSP should demonstrate expertise in identifying where Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) resides, how it flows, and which systems fall in scope.
4. Can you provide examples of System Security Plans (SSPs) and Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms) you’ve supported?
A potential CMMC MSP should be capable of assisting with documentation that auditors will expect. Ask for sanitized examples or templates to evaluate their approach to compliance documentation.
5. How do you handle continuous monitoring and incident response?
CMMC isn’t a “check-the-box” exercise. Ongoing monitoring, logging, and incident response planning are required. Confirm whether the MSP provides a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) or partners with one.
6. What frameworks or tools do you use for compliance tracking and evidence collection?
An effective CMMC MSP should employ compliance management platforms such as a GRC platform or structured workflows that allow you to demonstrate evidence of compliance, map controls, and prepare for third-party assessments.
7. How do you ensure separation of government and non-government data?
Data segregation is critical for compliance. Ask your potential CMMC provider how they prevent co-mingling of CUI with other business data and whether they use compliant enclaves, cloud solutions, or GCC High environments.
8. How do you prepare clients for a CMMC third-party assessment?
Your MSP should be able to walk you through the audit-readiness process, perform mock assessments, and help remediate gaps prior to an official C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization) engagement.
9. What is your approach to employee training and insider threat awareness?
CMMC requirements extend beyond technology. People and processes are equally important. Confirm the MSP’s ability to provide security awareness training tailored to CMMC’s standards.
10. How do you stay current with evolving DoD and CMMC guidance?
Regulatory landscapes evolve, and CMMC is no exception. Your MSP should demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, participation in industry groups, and proactive updates to clients.
Choosing the Right CMMC MSP Starts with the Right Questions
Choosing the right CMMC MSP for your compliance journey is not just a technical decision, it’s a strategic partnership. By asking these 10 questions, you can ensure your MSP has the knowledge, experience, and infrastructure necessary to help your organization achieve and maintain compliance with confidence. Ready to take the next step? Contact Point North Networks today to learn how our team can support your CMMC needs as a trusted CMMC MSP.
CMMC FAQs
What’s the difference between a regular MSP and a CMMC MSP?
A regular MSP may offer general IT services, but a CMMC MSP specializes in cybersecurity and compliance aligned with CMMC and NIST 800-171 standards.
Why is it important for a CMMC provider to have C3PAO assessment experience?
Experience with a Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) assessment gives a CMMC provider insight into how auditors interpret requirements and what evidence is most effective. This firsthand knowledge helps clients better prepare for certification.
What tools do CMMC MSPs use for compliance tracking?
Effective CMMC MSPs use platforms like GRC tools to manage evidence, map controls, and prepare for assessments. These tools streamline compliance and audit readiness.
Can a CMMC MSP help with audit preparation?
Absolutely. A good CMMC MSP will guide you through mock assessments, gap remediation, and readiness planning before engaging with a C3PAO.
