The CMMC C3PAOs List (Plus, How to Choose the Right Auditor)
Need a CMMC auditor? We share 60+ accredited C3PAOs, plus how to choose the right partner.
There are over 300,000 companies in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). With the introduction of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), each of these organizations will need to have their security posture audited to meet strict government standards.
To meet CMMC requirements, you can't just fill out a form or update your trust page. You must be audited by a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO).
With the CMMC final rule in place, the countdown to enforcement is on. If your business wants to continue working as a DoD contractor, you’ll require CMMC certification, and with a limited number of C3PAOs, lining up an assessor as early as possible is essential.
What is a C3PAO
A C3PAO is an independent company authorized by the Cyber AB (the official accreditation body for the CMMC ecosystem) to conduct CMMC assessments. They are the only entities that can grant a CMMC certification.
CMMC is the DoD’s way of forcing the entire supply chain to adopt a standardized, verifiable, and robust cybersecurity posture.
C3PAO vs. RPO
Your first call when starting your journey towards CMMC should be to line up a Registered Practitioner Organization (RPO).
An RPO is an accredited organization that can help your business prepare for your CMMC assessment. Think of an RPO like an experienced coach — they’ve been through the process multiple times and can guide your organization through the CMMC requirements and get you audit ready.
If you want to learn more about how an RPO can help your business, Workstreet is the only AI-powered RPO that offers a full-service approach to CMMC readiness, to help defense contractors move faster towards CMMC certification with confidence.
The C3PAO List
We’ve compiled a list of 60+ organizations that have been authorized by the Cyber AB to operate as C3PAOs. For a full list of C3PAOs and more information on any business listed below, consult the Cyber AB Marketplace. Also be aware that statuses can change, so verify any partner before beginning any engagement.
A-LIGN
A-LIGN is a major compliance and security firm offering a broad suite of audit services, including CMMC, for a global clientele.
ABS Quality Evaluations
ABS Quality Evaluations is a global certification body that leverages its deep industrial and government auditing experience to deliver CMMC assessments.
Aprio, LLP
Aprio, LLP is a large advisory and CPA firm that integrates CMMC assessments into a holistic business and risk management strategy.
Arcyber
Arcyber is a CMMC-focused provider delivering comprehensive assessment and compliance solutions specifically for defense contractors.
Ariento Inc.
Ariento Inc. is a firm that provides managed cybersecurity, IT, and CMMC compliance services tailored for small to medium-sized defense contractors.
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. is a government and defense consulting, offering CMMC assessments as part of its broad cybersecurity portfolio.
Boston Government Services, LLC
Boston Government Services, LLC is a firm that specializes in complex IT and cybersecurity solutions, offering expert CMMC certification services to government and energy clients.
Business Transformation Institute, Inc.
Business Transformation Institute, Inc. is a consulting firm that views CMMC compliance as a component of broader business transformation and process improvement.
C.H. Guernsey & Company
C.H. Guernsey & Company is a multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm that includes CMMC assessments in its services for defense and energy contractors.
Cask Government Services
Cask Government Services is a focused consulting firm that delivers technology and compliance services, including CMMC certification, exclusively for government contractors.
Cherry Bekaert
Cherry Bekaert is a large CPA and advisory firm that offers CMMC certification alongside a deep bench of compliance and cybersecurity solutions.
CISEVE
CISEVE is a highly specialized firm focused on providing expert CMMC evaluation and certification services for the DIB.
Coalfire Federal
Coalfire Federal is a federal compliance powerhouse that leverages its position as a top FedRAMP 3PAO to provide deep expertise in government security frameworks.
CohnReznick LLP
CohnReznick LLP is a major advisory and CPA firm that connects CMMC to broader business risk and strategy for mid-market to enterprise clients.
Cybexa
Cybexa is a Virginia-based cybersecurity firm providing CMMC assessment and advisory services to defense contractors.
CyberNINES LLC
CyberNINES LLC is a C3PAO with a strong reputation for thoroughness, focused on helping defense contractors of all sizes navigate DoD cybersecurity requirements.
CyberRx
CyberRx is a firm that specializes in cybersecurity risk management and compliance, offering CMMC assessment services primarily to the DIB.
Cybersec Investments
Cybersec Investments is a cybersecurity firm that delivers CMMC certification services and compliance solutions, particularly for small and mid-sized businesses.
Cytellix Cybersecurity
Cytellix Cybersecurity is a division of IMN Solutions that provides managed cybersecurity and CMMC assessment services for the DIB.
DataSoftNow, Inc.
DataSoftNow, Inc. is an IT and cybersecurity services company providing CMMC assessments and compliance consulting to government and defense clients.
DDC-IT Services
DDC-IT Services is a technology services provider owned by the Navajo Nation, offering a full range of IT, security, and CMMC assessment services.
Dox Electronics, Inc.
Dox Electronics, Inc. is an IT solutions provider that has expanded its security services to include authorized CMMC assessments for its client base.
DTC
DTC is a provider of comprehensive cybersecurity and compliance services, offering CMMC assessments tailored for the defense industry.
ECFirst
ECFirst is a firm specializing in cybersecurity and compliance assessments, including CMMC, for healthcare, government, and technology organizations.
Edwards Performance Solutions
Edwards Performance Solutions is a well-regarded project management and cybersecurity firm offering CMMC assessments and compliance solutions to government contractors.
Forvis Mazars
Forvis Mazars is a major top-tier auditing and advisory firm that offers CMMC assessments as part of its extensive cybersecurity and compliance practice.
Fortreum
Fortreum is an independent audit and advisory firm delivering cybersecurity expertise in highly regulated industries, including CMMC for government contractors.
GMS Registrar Ltd.
GMS Registrar Ltd. is an accredited certification body that provides CMMC assessments alongside other quality and manufacturing compliance services.
Gray Analytics Inc.
Gray Analytics Inc. is a cybersecurity specialist with expertise in protecting critical infrastructure, offering CMMC assessments for the DIB.
Hive Systems
Hive Systems is a cybersecurity firm known for its clear, approachable security guidance that now provides authorized CMMC assessments.
HORNE LLP
HORNE LLP is an accounting and advisory firm that provides CMMC assessments as a component of its government services and risk advisory practice.
iPower LLC
iPower LLC is a woman-owned small business providing IT consulting and CMMC assessment services for federal and defense clients.
Kapu Technologies
Kapu Technologies is a minority/woman-owned cybersecurity company offering customized security solutions and compliance reviews, including CMMC assessments.
Kieri Solutions LLC
Kieri Solutions LLC is a small business champion led by a well-known CMMC thought leader, providing practical, technically-focused CMMC assessments.
KLC Consulting, Inc.
KLC Consulting, Inc. is a client-focused C3PAO with a strong reputation, specializing in CMMC assessments for aerospace, defense, and IT sectors.
KNC Strategic Services
KNC Strategic Services is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) providing CMMC assessments and cybersecurity solutions to the DIB.
Kompleye
Kompleye is an attestation and compliance firm that provides CMMC, SOC, and ISO audits for technology and SaaS companies.
Kratos Technology & Training Solutions
Kratos Technology & Training Solutions is a division of a large, technology-focused defense contractor, offering deep DIB-insider expertise in its CMMC assessments.
Lazarus Alliance, Inc.
Lazarus Alliance, Inc. is a cybersecurity and GRC firm offering CMMC assessments through its specialized audit and compliance practice.
MNS Group
MNS Group is a managed services provider (MSP) that has expanded its offerings to include authorized CMMC assessments for the DIB.
Monarch Information Security Consulting
Monarch Information Security Consulting is a focused security consulting firm providing CMMC assessments and advisory services to defense contractors.
Networking Technologies + Support, Inc.
Networking Technologies + Support, Inc. is an IT support and services provider based in Virginia that offers CMMC assessment services for its clients.
NSF International Strategic Registration LTD
NSF International Strategic Registration LTD is a globally recognized registration and certification body that has added CMMC to its portfolio of quality and security audits.
Paragon Cyber Solutions LLC
Paragon Cyber Solutions LLC is a veteran-owned cybersecurity firm offering a range of services, including authorized CMMC assessments for the DIB.
Peak Infosec LLC
Peak Infosec LLC is a cybersecurity firm specializing in assessments and penetration testing that provides authorized CMMC assessments.
Penacity, LLC
Penacity, LLC is a service-disabled veteran-owned cybersecurity firm with a focus on the DIB, offering CMMC assessments and CUI protection solutions.
Provincia Government Solutions
Provincia Government Solutions is a minority-owned small business dedicated to providing CMMC assessments and compliance solutions for government contractors.
Redspin
Redspin is known as the market pioneer and first-ever authorized C3PAO, offering a full lifecycle of CMMC readiness and assessment services.
Reef Systems
Reef Systems is an IT solutions and services provider for the federal government that also performs CMMC assessments.
RSM Us LLP
RSM Us LLP is a leading global audit, tax, and consulting firm providing CMMC assessments as part of its comprehensive risk advisory services.
Schellman & Company, LLC
Schellman & Company, LLC is a major, top-tier compliance assessor that specializes only in audits, bringing deep expertise in SOC 2, FedRAMP, and CMMC.
Schneider Downs
Schneider Downs is a large CPA and advisory firm that has been authorized to conduct CMMC certification assessments for the DIB.
Secure Open Solutions
Secure Open Solutions is a Virginia-based IT services provider that offers CMMC assessment and compliance services for government contractors.
Securestrux, LLC
Securestrux, LLC is a cybersecurity firm with a long history in DoD compliance, offering expert-level CMMC assessments and information assurance.
Securitybricks, Inc.
Securitybricks, Inc. is a CMMC-focused firm providing assessment and advisory services to help organizations in the DIB meet their compliance goals.
Sentinel Blue, LLC
Sentinel Blue, LLC is a CMMC-dedicated firm providing assessment and managed compliance services for DIB contractors.
Sentar
Sentar is a women-owned cybersecurity and intelligence solutions provider that leverages its extensive government experience to conduct CMMC assessments.
Smithers Quality Assessments, Inc.
Smithers Quality Assessments, Inc. is an accredited quality and environmental management systems registrar that now provides CMMC assessments.
Soundway
Soundway is a technology consulting firm providing CMMC assessments as part of its IT modernization and security services for federal clients.
SysAudits
SysAudits is a dedicated IT audit and security assessment firm providing CMMC certifications alongside other compliance frameworks.
Tanner Security
Tanner Security is a C3PAO based in Texas offering CMMC audit and cybersecurity consulting services for DoD contractors.
The CMMC Team LLC
The CMMC Team LLC is a specialized firm that, as its name suggests, is entirely focused on providing CMMC assessment and certification services.
Tier 1 Cyber
Tier 1 Cyber is an Alexandria-based cybersecurity firm and C3PAO focused on helping DIB contractors achieve and maintain CMMC compliance.
How to Choose Your C3PAO
Not all C3PAOs are created equal. You aren't just buying a "pass". You're buying a rigorous, high-quality audit that the DoD will actually accept.
CMMC is not SOC 2. With SOC2 there can be wiggle room, you can have conversations, explain certain controls, and negotiate on evidence. CMMC does not work that way. The bar for evidence is incredibly high and prescriptive. If a control requires a screenshot showing specific elements configured in a specific way, that is the only piece of evidence that will suffice.
With that in mind, here are the key criteria for selecting your C3PAO:
- Availability & Scheduling: This is, without a doubt, the biggest bottleneck in the entire CMMC ecosystem. There are 300,000+ companies that will eventually need an audit and only a few hundred authorized C3PAOs to do the work. Get on their schedule now, even if you think your audit is 6-12 months away. The logjam is real, and it will only get worse.
- Industry Expertise: Does the C3PAO understand your business? Auditing a fifty-person machine shop with on-prem servers is fundamentally different from auditing a 200-person cloud-native SaaS company. Find a partner who speaks your language.
- Cost & Pricing Structure: Push for a firm, fixed-fee quote for the assessment. Ask what’s included: the readiness review, the assessment itself, and any post-audit remediation validation. Understand their pricing for re-testing if you fail any controls.
- Geographic Coverage: CMMC assessments often have on-site components, especially for inspecting physical security controls. If your team is distributed or you have multiple data centers, ensure the C3PAO can cover your physical footprint without racking up exorbitant travel fees.
- Prescriptiveness: This is counterintuitive, but you want an auditor who is strict and goes by the book. During your vetting calls, if a C3PAO seems "easy" or "flexible" on evidence requirements, that is a massive red flag.
Don't Wait for the CMMC Assessment Logjam
The CMMC rollout is here and the C3PAO bottleneck is real — scheduling as assessment could become a real challenge for businesses needing to meet CMMC requirements in the next 18-months.
Waiting to get prepared or to get on an auditor's schedule is a potentially business-ending mistake. When your next must-win contract requires CMMC Level 2 certification and you learn the first available audit slot is 14 months away, you will lose that contract.
Ready to get started with CMMC? Talk to a Workstreet CMMC expert today and let us be the coach that gets you ready to pass the CMMC assessment — we can also help to connect you with a C3PAO.
