CMMC Audit and Assessment Services

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense to strengthen cybersecurity throughout the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Contractors and subcontractors that store, process, or transmit Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must demonstrate that they have implemented the required cybersecurity controls before they can be awarded certain government contracts.

For many businesses, preparing for a CMMC assessment can be a hard process. Requirements are extensive, documentation is critical, and assessors expect evidence that controls are implemented and effective.

At Tanner Security, we help defense contractors assess compliance, find gaps, fix deficiencies, and prepare for CMMC assessments. Whether seeking Level 1 self-assessment or Level 2 certification, our consultants offer practical guidance to reduce risk and improve readiness.

Our mission is to give your business an edge in the CMMC environment while helping you build a resilient cybersecurity program. By partnering with Tanner Security, you not only protect critical government information but also gain a sustainable compliance advantage.

A CMMC audit, often called a CMMC assessment, is a formal review of a business’s cybersecurity practices, policies, procedures, and technical safeguards against the requirements established by the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program.

The purpose of the assessment is to determine whether a company has implemented the security controls necessary to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Unlike many compliance programs that focus heavily on documentation, CMMC requires businesses to demonstrate that security practices are actually operating within the environment. Assessors review technical controls, interview personnel, evaluate documentation, inspect evidence, and verify that required practices are consistently followed.

A successful assessment demonstrates that a contractor has implemented the cybersecurity safeguards necessary to support Department of Defense cybersecurity requirements. CMMC builds upon the security controls defined within NIST Special Publication 800-171, which outlines the technical safeguards required to protect CUI within contractor systems.

For many contractors, CMMC compliance is no longer optional. As CMMC requirements continue to be incorporated into Department of Defense contracts, businesses that cannot demonstrate compliance may find themselves unable to be awarded future federal contract opportunities.

Beyond contractual requirements, the framework helps companies strengthen cybersecurity defenses against ransomware, phishing attacks, insider threats, credential theft, and other common attack methods targeting the defense supply chain.

Many contractors find that preparing for CMMC significantly improves asset management, vulnerability management, incident response capabilities, access control practices, security monitoring, and overall cybersecurity maturity.

Rather than viewing CMMC solely as a compliance exercise, many companies use the framework as an opportunity to strengthen security while reducing operational risk.

The assessment process differs by certification level. CMMC Level 1 protects Federal Contract Information and includes a set of basic cybersecurity controls. Businesses pursuing Level 1 generally perform annual self-assessments and submit compliance affirmations as required by the Department of Defense.

CMMC Level 2 applies to contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information and requires implementation of the security requirements found in NIST SP 800-171. Depending on contract requirements, companies must undergo a third-party assessment conducted by an authorized C3PAO or, in limited circumstances, complete a self-assessment.

Because Level 2 assessments involve strict review, forward-thinking businesses proactively conduct readiness assessments to ensure they are well-prepared and maximize their chances of certification success.

Cybersecurity threats targeting the defense supply chain continue to grow in sophistication.

Foreign intelligence services and cybercriminal groups frequently attempt to compromise defense contractors to gain access to sensitive government information and intellectual property.

Tanner Security conducts cybersecurity risk assessments designed to identify vulnerabilities that could expose CUI or other sensitive contract data.

Our assessments review areas including:

• network security architecture
• identity and access management
• endpoint protection controls
• vulnerability management practices
• monitoring and incident response capabilities

This process helps a company understand where cybersecurity weaknesses exist and how they may impact compliance with Department of Defense security requirements.

Why Defense Contractors Choose Tanner Security

Tanner Security has over four decades of experience helping businesses evaluate cybersecurity programs, implement compliance frameworks, and prepare for independent assessments.

Our consultants anticipate and solve the practical challenges contractors face when meeting CMMC requirements. We are committed to delivering clear, actionable guidance and effective solutions that not only ensure compliance but also position your business as a cybersecurity leader.

Rather than treating compliance as a paperwork exercise, we help businesses build sustainable security programs that support long-term contractual requirements.

Contact our team today to begin your CMMC journey or to ensure you are fully prepared for your upcoming formal assessment. Let us help guide you through each step to successful certification.

Many businesses are surprised to understand that their greatest challenges are not technical vulnerabilities but rather documentation and process deficiencies.

Common CMMC issues often include incomplete policies and procedures, inadequate evidence collection, inadequate system security plans, weak access management practices, inadequate vulnerability management processes, gaps in incident response documentation, and insufficient proof that controls are operating effectively.

In many cases, the required security controls are partially implemented, but businesses lack the evidence necessary to demonstrate compliance during an assessment.

Uncovering these issues before a formal audit gives your company an advantage, greatly increasing the likelihood of a successful review and demonstrating your proactive commitment to cybersecurity.

Strengthen Your Company’s Cybersecurity for DoD Contracts

Defense contractors must demonstrate strong cybersecurity practices to maintain eligibility for Department of Defense contracts. Independent assessments help businesses understand their security posture and address gaps before undergoing certification reviews. Tanner Security provides CMMC readiness assessments, NIST 800-171 compliance reviews, and cybersecurity consulting services that help defense contractors strengthen security controls and protect sensitive government data.

If your company supports Department of Defense programs and needs assistance preparing for CMMC requirements, Tanner Security can help you evaluate your cybersecurity environment and prepare for certification.