Things to Consider When Evaluating a Registered Practitioner Organization for Your CMMC Compliance Journey

Achieving Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance under the current CMMC 2.0 framework is critical for organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in support of Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, or General Services Administration (GSA)

contracts. With CMMC 3.0 on the horizon, partnering with a Registered Practitioner Organization (RPO) like Cape Endeavors Inc.—with a team of certified assessors—ensures you’re prepared for both current and future requirements. Selecting the right CMMC RPO is essential, and understanding their approach to your unique needs is key. Here are five critical factors to evaluate when choosing a CMMC RPO, along with insights into determining the best compliance path and, if applicable, selecting a secure enclave provider.

1. CyberAB Marketplace Registration

   
   

   Question to Ask: Are you registered in the CyberAB Marketplace?

   
   

   The first step in evaluating a CMMC RPO is verifying their legitimacy. Any organization or individual offering consultative expertise for CMMC compliance must be registered in the CyberAB Marketplace, the official registry managed by the Cyber Accreditation Body (CyberAB). This ensures they meet the necessary qualifications and adhere to CMMC standards. At Cape Endeavors Inc., we are proudly registered in the CyberAB Marketplace, giving you confidence in our certified assessors and compliance expertise. Avoid working with unregistered consultants, as they lack the authority to guide your CMMC journey.

   
   

2. Proven Success in Assessments

   
   

   Question to Ask: How many clients have you successfully guided through a CMMC assessment, and what were their scores?

   
   

   A reputable CMMC RPO, such as Cape Endeavors Inc., should provide examples of clients who achieved certification at one of the three CMMC 2.0 levels (Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3), along with their assessment scores. High scores reflect the RPO’s expertise in preparing organizations for the rigorous evaluation process. Be cautious of RPOs with limited or no assessment success, as CMMC 2.0 demands practical experience.

   
   

3. Realistic Timelines for Achieving CMMC Compliance

   
   

   One of the most common questions organizations ask is how long it actually takes to achieve CMMC Level 2 compliance.While every environment and scope is different, the average duration ranges from 9 to 12 months—covering assessment, remediation, documentation, and validation.Some highly prepared organizations with limited CUI exposure and a strong cybersecurity foundation may complete certification in as little as 90 days. However, be skeptical of any provider claiming to achieve full CMMC compliance much quicker than 90 days. Such timelines often overlook the complexity of scoping, control implementation, and evidence collection required for a successful DIBCAC or C3PAO assessment.

   
   

4. Expertise in Scoping

   
   

   Question to Ask: Did you help your clients with scoping?

   
   

   Scoping defines the boundaries of your CMMC assessment, identifying systems, processes, and personnel that handle CUI. A skilled RPO collaborates closely to accurately scope your environment, minimizing compliance costs and complexity. Remember: Any system, service, or person that stores, transmits, processes, or views CUI is considered an in-scope asset.

   
   

   Common Scoping Pitfalls to Avoid:

   • Overlooking Cloud Services: Failing to include cloud-based systems or SaaS platforms that process or store CUI can lead to non-compliance.

   • Forgetting ERP Systems: Not accounting for ERP systems where personnel may attach CUI as part of their job duties.

   • Ignoring Third-Party Vendors: External partners or contractors with access to CUI must be included in the scope.

   • Underestimating Physical Assets: Devices like USB drives, printers, or IoT devices that handle CUI are often overlooked.

   
   

   At Cape Endeavors Inc., our certified assessors ensure thorough scoping by identifying all CUI-related assets and recommending strategies to streamline compliance while adhering to CMMC requirements.

   
   

5. Understanding Your Business Context: Revenue, Workforce, and CUI Type

   
   

   To determine the best path to CMMC 2.0 compliance, an RPO must deeply understand your organization’s context. At Cape Endeavors Inc., we prioritize three key questions:

   
   

   • What portion of your revenue comes from DoD, NASA, or GSA contracts? The significance of these contracts shapes your compliance strategy. For example, if Level 2 or Level 3 DoD contracts account for a large revenue share, the RPO should prioritize controls to meet that level efficiently and protect revenue streams.

   • What percentage of your workforce handles CUI? This affects the scope and cost of compliance. If only a small group handles CUI, isolating those workflows can reduce the assessment scope. For broader exposure, comprehensive controls are needed.

   • What type of CUI is handled or processed? The nature of CUI (e.g., technical data, export-controlled information like ITAR, or financial records) influences security requirements. Different types may require specific controls or segmentation strategies.

   
   

   By analyzing these factors, an RPO can recommend a compliance approach aligned with your priorities—and prepare you for CMMC 3.0.

   
   

   **Important Note: The government doesn’t care if your business can operate—only whether CUI is handled appropriately. A good enclave provider ensures both.

   
   

6. Tailored Courses of Action

   
   

   Question to Ask: Did you present different courses of action based on your clients’ situations?

   A quality CMMC RPO will propose customized solutions based on your revenue, workforce, CUI type, and cybersecurity posture. At Cape Endeavors Inc., we evaluate these to recommend one of three paths:

   • Secure CMMC Enclave: A segmented environment isolating CUI-related systems. Often the fastest and most cost-effective approach—ideal for limited CUI exposure or specific types.

   • Hardening Existing Network: Enhancing your current environment to meet NIST 800-171 standards. Best for organizations with widespread CUI use.

   • Greenfield Environment: Building a new, compliant infrastructure. Ideal for long-term scalability but more resource-intensive.

   
   

   Each option has pros and cons. In our experience, a secure enclave is generally the best path for cost and speed, especially when a small portion of the workforce handles specific types of CUI.

   
   

7. Evaluating Secure Enclave Providers

   
   

   If a secure enclave is recommended, selecting the right provider is critical.

   Key Questions to Ask:

   • Does the provider offer a turnkey solution?

   • Is documentation prepared by the provider or the customer?

   • Will the provider represent you during assessments?

   • Do they offer management, monitoring, and compliance services?

   • Will they keep your enclave compliant as CMMC regulations evolve?

   
   

   At Cape Endeavors Inc., we help clients evaluate providers that deliver turnkey, compliant, and scalable solutions tailored to your CUI needs.

   
   

Conclusion

Selecting the right Registered Practitioner Organization is pivotal to your CMMC 2.0 journey—and future readiness for CMMC 3.0. By partnering with an experienced RPO like Cape Endeavors Inc., you gain a trusted guide for scoping, business context analysis, and decisions such as choosing between a secure enclave, network hardening, or a greenfield environment. Our approach—grounded in your revenue profile, workforce CUI exposure, and the type of CUI—ensures a tailored, efficient path to compliance. If an enclave is the best fit, we help you evaluate providers to ensure long-term success. Ask the right questions, look for proven results, and choose a partner aligned with your goals. With the right support, CMMC certification becomes a catalyst for stronger security and business resilience.