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If you’re a contractor or subcontractor handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) on behalf of the Department of Defense (DoD), you’re likely required to comply with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). And that means eventually undergoing a C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization) assessment to prove your compliance.

Whether you’re a small business or a prime contractor, the stakes are high—and your preparedness matters.

As organizations work toward CMMC compliance, the path to certification can feel complex and overwhelming, especially when it comes to preparing for the C3PAO assessment.

At RB Advisory, we’ve helped numerous clients navigate this critical phase with confidence. As a Registered Provider Organization (RPO), we are here to guide you through the pre-assessment process, reduce risk, and ensure your systems are aligned with CMMC standards before your official audit.

Here’s what you need to know before scheduling your C3PAO assessment.

What Is a C3PAO Assessment?

A C3PAO assessment is the official audit conducted by an authorized third-party organization to evaluate your cybersecurity practices and determine whether you meet CMMC Level 2 or higher.

This is a mandatory step for companies seeking DoD contracts involving CUI. The cost of the assessment can range from $40,000 to over $100,000, and failing the first time can lead to significant delays, expensive reassessments, or even lost contracts, especially for defense contractors working under DFARS requirements.

That’s why it’s essential to get it right the first time.

Why Does Preparation Matter?

Because getting it right the first time saves time, money, and reputation.

With such a large investment on the line, it’s not worth the risk to go in unprepared. A failed audit not only delays your contracting eligibility, but it could also jeopardize existing client relationships and opportunities.

That’s where Registered Provider Organizations (RPOs) like RB Advisory come in.

An RPO like RB Advisory plays a critical role in getting you audit-ready. 

Where Does RB Advisory Help?

As a trusted CMMC RPO, RB Advisory provides comprehensive pre-assessment services tailored to your organization’s environment. We help contractors across the U.S. assess, strengthen, and document their cybersecurity practices before a C3PAO audit is scheduled.  While we do not conduct the official certification, we help prepare your organization for it.

Our services include:

• Gap and readiness assessments
• CMMC documentation review
• Evidence preparation and control mapping
• Technical remediation plans
• Staff training and internal readiness

Whether you’re based in Florida or supporting global missions, our virtual and on-site support ensures your organization is compliance-ready anywhere.

Key Steps to Prepare for a C3PAO Assessment

Here are some of the essential preparation steps we help you implement:

• Understand Your Scope – Clearly define what Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) your organization handles and which systems and environments are in scope for CMMC.

• Map Requirements to Practices – Each CMMC level comes with a set of practices and processes. We help you map your current security controls to the required practices and identify any compliance gaps.

• Document Everything – C3PAOs will review not only your technical controls but also your policies, procedures, and evidence of implementation. We ensure your documentation is audit-ready.

• Conduct a Readiness Assessment – Our pre-assessment services simulate the C3PAO experience, helping you test your environment against the actual evaluation criteria.

• Remediate Weaknesses – Where gaps are found, we guide your remediation efforts to ensure your environment meets all applicable requirements, before you engage a C3PAO.

How Do We Do It?

Our cybersecurity and compliance experts follow a clear, proven process:

• Define Your Scope – Identify which systems and environments are in scope for CMMC.

• Assess & Map Controls – Align your current practices with CMMC Level 2 requirements.

• Develop a Plan – Address gaps with customized remediation roadmaps.

• Practice the Audit – Conduct a mock audit to simulate C3PAO expectations.

• Support Ongoing Readiness – Provide continued support to ensure long-term compliance.

We don’t just hand you a checklist—we become part of your compliance team.

Why Work with RB Advisory?

Our team brings deep expertise in cybersecurity compliance, risk management, and federal contracting requirements. As a trusted RPO, we don’t just consult—we prepare you to pass.

Whether you’re navigating Level 2 compliance or getting started on your CMMC journey, RB Advisory offers the insight, experience, and actionable support to help you succeed.

Ready to Schedule Your Pre-Assessment?

Reach out to RB Advisory today to learn more about how our RPO services can help you reduce risk and improve audit readiness for your C3PAO assessment.