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Federal Compliance

CMMC Level 2 Certification
for Defense Contractors
in the DMV Region.

If your company holds DoD contracts or operates in the defense supply chain, CMMC Level 2 isn't optional — it's a contract requirement. Maryland Computer Service guides you through every step, from gap assessment to certification.

⚠️

Deadline Alert: DoD contracts now require CMMC Level 2 compliance as a mandatory condition. Contractors who are not certified will be ineligible to bid on new contracts and may lose existing awards. Start your assessment now.

Understanding CMMC

What Is CMMC Level 2 — and Why Does It Matter to Your Business?

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a Department of Defense framework designed to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) across the defense industrial base.

CMMC Level 2 is the tier that applies to most defense contractors. It requires full implementation of all 110 security practices defined in NIST SP 800-171 — covering everything from access control and incident response to system integrity and audit logging.

Unlike the old self-attestation model, CMMC Level 2 requires a third-party assessment by a C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization). Failing to achieve certification means you cannot work on DoD contracts that involve CUI.

110
Security Practices
14
Domains Covered
3rd
Party Assessment
$0
DoD Work Without It
NIST SP 800-171

The 14 Domains of CMMC Level 2

Every one of these domains must be fully implemented and assessed. MCS has deep expertise across all 14 — we don't just advise, we implement.

AC
Access Control
Limit system access to authorized users and processes only
AT
Awareness & Training
Ensure personnel understand security risks and responsibilities
AU
Audit & Accountability
Create and protect audit logs for all system events
CM
Configuration Management
Establish and maintain secure baselines for all systems
IA
Identification & Authentication
Verify the identity of all users, devices, and processes
IR
Incident Response
Establish capabilities to detect, report, and respond to incidents
MA
Maintenance
Perform maintenance on systems and control maintenance tools
MP
Media Protection
Protect system media containing CUI in all forms
PS
Personnel Security
Screen individuals before granting access to systems
PE
Physical Protection
Limit and monitor physical access to systems and equipment
RA
Risk Assessment
Assess risk to systems and operations on a regular basis
CA
Security Assessment
Periodically assess controls and remediate deficiencies
SC
System & Comm. Protection
Monitor and control communications at system boundaries
SI
System & Info. Integrity
Identify, report, and correct information system flaws
Our Proven Process

We've Walked Defense
Contractors Through
CMMC — Start to Finish.

Most IT providers will hand you a checklist and walk away. MCS partners with you through the entire journey — gap analysis, remediation, documentation, and C3PAO coordination.

1
Gap Assessment & Scoping
We audit your current environment against all 110 NIST 800-171 practices. You get a clear, prioritized report showing exactly what's missing and what it will take to fix it.
2
System Security Plan (SSP)
We write and maintain your SSP — the master document describing how your organization implements every required security practice. Required for your C3PAO assessment.
3
Remediation & Implementation
We fix the gaps — configuring your systems, deploying security controls, implementing MFA, encryption, logging, and everything else required to meet all 110 practices.
4
POA&M Management
We create and manage your Plan of Action & Milestones — documenting known deficiencies and remediation timelines for any controls not yet fully implemented.
5
C3PAO Coordination & Support
We coordinate with your chosen C3PAO, prepare your evidence package, and support you through the formal third-party assessment from start to certification.
Why Choose MCS

Why Maryland Contractors Choose MCS for CMMC.

🏛️
Local DMV Expertise
We're based in La Plata, MD and specialize in serving defense contractors across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington DC — the heart of the defense industrial base.
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We Write the Documentation
SSPs, POA&Ms, policies, and procedures — we don't hand you templates and expect you to fill them in. Our team writes all required documentation based on your actual environment.
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We Fix the Gaps Too
Most compliance consultants only tell you what's wrong. MCS actually remediates — configuring systems, deploying controls, and closing every gap identified in your assessment.
🤝
C3PAO Coordination
We manage your relationship with your C3PAO assessor — preparing your evidence package, scheduling interviews, and supporting your team through every step of the formal assessment.
🔄
Ongoing Compliance Support
CMMC isn't a one-time project. We provide continuous monitoring, annual assessment support, and help you maintain compliance as your environment evolves and regulations update.
⚡
Proven Track Record
We've guided multiple defense contractors in the DMV region through the CMMC process successfully. Our clients have passed their assessments — and kept their contracts.
★★★★★

"The CMMC certification process felt completely overwhelming until MCS stepped in. They knew exactly what was required, handled all the documentation, fixed every gap in our systems, and had us certified on the first assessment. We kept our DoD contract — and gained three new ones."

👤
Robert K.
Director of IT — Defense Contractor, La Plata MD

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late.

The CMMC assessment process typically takes 3–6 months to complete. Companies that start late risk contract loss while waiting for certification.

✓ Free initial gap assessment
✓ No obligation — honest scope estimate
✓ Clear timeline and cost breakdown
✓ Local DMV team, on-site when needed

Common Questions

CMMC Level 2 FAQ.

How long does CMMC Level 2 certification take?
It depends on your starting posture. Organizations with strong existing security controls may complete the process in 3–4 months. Those starting from scratch typically need 6–12 months. MCS will give you a realistic timeline after your gap assessment.
What is CUI and how do I know if I handle it?
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is any government information that requires safeguarding but isn't classified. If your DoD contract includes a DFARS 252.204-7012 clause, you almost certainly handle CUI and need CMMC Level 2.
Can I self-attest for CMMC Level 2?
For most CMMC Level 2 contracts, no. A third-party assessment by a C3PAO is required. A small subset of Level 2 programs may allow annual self-attestation, but the DoD is phasing this out for contracts involving CUI.
What happens if I fail my CMMC assessment?
You will not receive your certification and cannot perform work on contracts requiring CMMC Level 2. You can remediate and request a follow-up assessment, but this takes additional time and cost — which is exactly why thorough preparation with MCS is critical.
Does CMMC apply to subcontractors?
Yes. If you are a subcontractor who handles CUI as part of a DoD contract, you must meet the same CMMC Level 2 requirements as the prime contractor. Prime contractors are also responsible for ensuring their subcontractors are compliant.
How much does CMMC Level 2 compliance cost?
Costs vary significantly based on your organization's size, current security posture, and number of gaps. MCS provides a detailed cost estimate after your free gap assessment, so you know exactly what you're committing to before any work begins.
Get Started Today

Your DoD Contracts
Depend On This.

Don't let a competitor get certified before you. Every month you wait is a month you're at risk of losing contracts — or being unable to bid on new ones. Schedule your free gap assessment today.

Your DoD contracts depend on CMMC certification.

Schedule a free gap assessment — we'll show you exactly where you stand and what it takes to get certified.