Preparing for a CMMC Assessment: A Guide for DoD Contractors

By Ken Satkunam, CISM  ·  President & Founder, NorthStar Technology Group

March 2026  ·  10 min read

What is a CMMC Assessment and Why Is It Crucial for DoD Contractors?

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a unified standard for implementing cybersecurity across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). As of 2026, CMMC assessments are mandatory for DoD contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The main purpose of these assessments is to ensure contractors adhere to the outlined security standards, thereby safeguarding sensitive defense data. Failing to achieve compliance with CMMC can result in losing DoD contracts, which underscores the importance of preparation.

How Can DoD Contractors Prepare for a CMMC Assessment?

Preparation is key to a successful CMMC assessment. Here are some steps DoD contractors should follow:

• Understand the Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specific CMMC level requirements applicable to your contracts. Visit acq.osd.mil/cmmc for detailed requirements.
• Conduct a Gap Analysis: Assess your current cybersecurity posture against CMMC requirements. Utilize resources like our Security Check to identify areas needing improvement.
• Develop a Plan of Action: Create a comprehensive plan to address identified gaps. This plan should include timelines, resources needed, and tasks assigned to specific team members.
• Invest in Cybersecurity Training: Ensure that your workforce understands the importance of cybersecurity and is trained on best practices.
• Engage Expert Assistance: Consider partnering with a managed service provider experienced in CMMC readiness. Learn more about how we at NorthStar can assist on our CMMC services page.

What Role Does Continuous Monitoring Play in CMMC Compliance?

Continuous monitoring involves consistently evaluating your network to identify and respond to threats in real time. It’s crucial for maintaining compliance as cyber threats evolve. In addition to proactive monitoring, periodic reviews and updates to your cybersecurity measures are necessary. Our resources for DoD contractors provide further insights into effective monitoring strategies.

How Can CMMC Compliance Impact SPRS Scoring?

Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) scoring evaluates a contractor’s compliance with NIST SP 800-171 standards. Achieving CMMC compliance can positively impact your SPRS score, increasing your competitive edge in winning DoD contracts. For more on how compliance and scoring intersect, see our article on Managed IT for DoD contracts.

What Other Resources Are Available for CMMC Preparation?

Alongside NorthStar’s expert services, numerous external resources are available. Visit dodcio.defense.gov for guidance, and explore NIST for comprehensive reports on best practices. Ensuring that you are up-to-date with the latest information helps in streamlining the assessment process.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ken Satkunam, CISM
President & Founder, NorthStar Technology Group

Ken has spent over 25 years in IT leadership serving regulated organizations. He founded NorthStar Technology Group in 2000 and holds the CISM credential from ISACA. NorthStar has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list in 2024 (#3837) and 2025 (#2393). Ken is the co-author of the Amazon best-seller Cyber Attack Prevention.

CISM • Inc. 5000 • MSP 500 • Published Author • 25+ Years