How DoD Contractors Can Achieve CMMC Assessment Preparation

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

March 2026  ·  10 min read

What Does CMMC Assessment Preparation Entail?

As the landscape of cybersecurity regulations evolves, preparation for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) assessment becomes crucial for defense contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). In 2026, this assessment determines a contractor's capability to safeguard DoD data. Proper preparation is necessary to ensure compliance and secure contracts.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of all requirements, visit the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment official page.

How Can Contractors Effectively Prepare?

CMMC assessment preparation involves a series of methodical steps. To begin, assess your organization’s current cybersecurity posture. Use the NorthStar security check to identify vulnerabilities. Familiarize yourself with the practices and processes outlined in the CMMC framework available at DoD CIO's official site.

Conduct a readiness check and possibly engage a consultant to ensure meeting all requirements. Remember to review relevant resources for DoD contractors to align your network’s security measures.

Why Is Partnering with MSPs Beneficial for CMMC Readiness?

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) like NorthStar Technology Group can facilitate in-depth planning and execution for CMMC compliance. With expertise in handling IT for DoD contracts, MSPs provide bespoke solutions tailored to your specific compliance needs.

Further exploration on the importance and costs of MSPs can be found in our detailed article.

How to Leverage Technology for CMMC Assessments?

Ensuring your IT infrastructure supports seamless compliance is key. Transitioning to approved environments like GCC High can enhance security measures, particularly when protecting sensitive data. Learn more about the technical and compliance advantages of such environments on NIST's guidelines website.

Technology integration not only aids in compliance but also provides peace of mind when combating threats, akin to developing a strong ransomware defense strategy.

What Are the Next Steps in Achieving CMMC Compliance?

Start by evaluating your current compliance level and identifying gaps. Schedule assessments, embark on training programs, and implement processes for continuous monitoring. For comprehensive details, please read our article series on compliance updates.

After gaining certification, regular reviews are recommended to maintain compliance and secure future DoD contracts.

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