In the latest episode of the CMMC Compliance Guide podcast, hosts Brooke and Austin Justice welcomed cybersecurity expert Chris Silvers to dive deep into the complexities of CMMC 2.0 assessments. With over 25 years of experience, Chris is one of the few professionals officially certified as both a Certified CMMC Provisional Assessor and Instructor. His credentials and involvement in developing key training courses place him at the forefront of CMMC 2.0 rollout and industry thought leadership.

A Different Approach to Assessments

Chris emphasized the distinction between an "assessor" and an "auditor." He clarified that CMMC assessors aim to help organizations showcase compliance rather than catching them off guard with rigid checklists. This mindset shift is crucial for businesses preparing for an assessment, as it focuses on demonstrating knowledge and compliance rather than dodging pitfalls.

“Think of it like preparing for the big game,” Chris explained. “It’s an opportunity to show that you’ve done your homework.”

The Value of Mock Assessments

One of the key insights from the conversation revolved around the concept of mock assessments. Chris noted that organizations unsure about their readiness should consider running a mock assessment. This allows companies to simulate a real assessment and identify gaps in their compliance without crossing the line into consulting. Mock assessments provide organizations with a clear report, highlighting areas of strength and where improvement is needed.

“The last thing you want is to be blindsided during a real assessment,” Chris said. “Mock assessments give you that chance to fine-tune and go in with confidence.”

Preparing for the Real Deal

The episode also explored the CMMC Assessment Process (CAP), which outlines every phase of a CMMC assessment. Chris urged listeners to familiarize themselves with the CAP document to understand what assessors will look for. “Plan and Prepare” is a crucial phase, as it determines if an organization is ready to proceed with the actual assessment. This phase includes steps like verifying readiness and establishing clear roles and responsibilities.

Austin and Brooke highlighted the importance of proper preparation and documentation. Brooke mentioned that using a centralized GRC platform can streamline documentation and make the assessor’s job easier. The panel agreed that being well-organized could significantly reduce assessment time and costs.

The High Stakes of Non-Compliance

Chris also addressed the potential consequences of failing a CMMC assessment, including the loss of contracts and even legal risks under the False Claims Act. He pointed to recent cases involving major institutions like Penn State and Georgia Tech to illustrate the seriousness of non-compliance.

“Legal risk can sink a business,” Chris warned, emphasizing the importance of accurate SPRS scores and honest self-assessments.

Actionable Tips for Businesses

Wrapping up the episode, Austin asked Chris and Brooke for actionable steps businesses can take right away. Chris’s top advice was simple: read the CAP document. He also recommended reaching out to certified professionals for guidance if an organization lacks the internal bandwidth to manage compliance efforts.

Brooke reiterated the need for thorough preparation, suggesting businesses should prioritize documentation and organization to make the entire process smoother.

Final Takeaway

This episode offers invaluable insights for any organization navigating CMMC 2.0 compliance. Chris’s wealth of experience, coupled with practical advice from Brooke and Austin, equips listeners with the knowledge to confidently approach their assessments. By understanding the distinction between assessors and auditors, leveraging mock assessments, and thoroughly preparing documentation, businesses can significantly increase their chances of passing and maintaining compliance.

For more insights or assistance with your compliance journey and implementation, call 817-803-4603 or sign up for a free consultation with one of our compliance experts here.