CMMC Managed Service Providers (MSPs): How to Find the Right Partner for Compliance
The definitive guide to CMMC managed services. Learn how to evaluate providers, define shared responsibilities, and ensure your MSP is audit-ready from day one.

If you're in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), you already know the stakes of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC ) 2.0. It’s not just another compliance framework, it's a condition for doing business with the Department of Defense (DoD).
At Workstreet, we’ve been working with plenty of fast-growing companies staring down this exact challenge. CMMC certification isn’t a walk in the park, even for experienced IT and compliance teams. That’s why many U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contractors are working with a CMMC Managed Service Provider (MSP).
The right MSP will help your organization to navigate the complexities of CMMC, secure your data, and pass your audit. This guide is your playbook for finding the right partner for your business. We'll cover what to look for, the right questions to ask, common challenges to watch out for.
Why DoD Contractors Choose to Work with an MSP
For most DIB contractors, attempting CMMC 2.0 Level 2 compliance alone will lead to extended timeliness, unexpected challenges, and a whole lot of stress. I’ve seen companies burn tons of time and cash on DIY efforts only to fail their audits and jeopardize their contracts.
Of course, Workstreet is a CMMC Registered Practitioner Organization (RPO), so I have a horse in this race. But in my opinion, with some much riding on CMMC compliance, organizations working towards Level 2 should always work with an experienced third-party. Here’s why:
- The stakes are high: DoD contracts are the primary source of revenue for many companies so failing a CMMC audit means, and therefore no longer being able to bid on or retain DoD work can have a huge impact on the business.
- Complexity demands specialization: CMMC Level 2 is based on the 110 controls in NIST SP 800-171. This covers everything from access control to configuration management. As you work towards CMMC requirements, you need a provider with deep experience in the DIB ecosystem.
- Speed is a competitive advantage: With CMMC enforcement ramping up and a limited number of certified assessors, a backlog is inevitable. Companies that achieve compliance early will have a massive competitive advantage. A good CMMC MSP accelerates your timeline.
What Is the Difference Between an MSP and an MSSP?
A Managed Service Provider (MSP) typically handles IT services and operations. Think: infrastructure management, network administration, helpdesk support, and software updates.
A Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) focuses exclusively on security: managing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, vulnerability scanning, and proactively protecting the business from any potential cyber threats.
For CMMC (especially Level 2), you typically need both. Look for partners with IT management and security operations experience
Key Things to Consider When Choosing an MSP
DoD and CMMC Experience
Filter for partners that have worked with defense contractors and have experience guiding DoD contractors through CMMC assessments. Before committing, ask for case studies and references from companies in your industry to verify their abilities. Also check their staff have relevant qualifications like CISSP or CMMC-AB credentials.
Shared Responsibilities and the Shared Responsibility Matrix (SRM)
CMMC 2.0 Level 2 regulations require contractors who work with MSPs to clearly define the responsibilities of any third parties. This is often done through a Shared Responsibility Matrix (SRM)
The SRM clearly defines which compliance tasks the MSP handles, which tasks you (the client) handle, and which are shared. Without an SRM you'll likely have accountability gaps, duplicated effort, and a nightmare scenario during your audit when nobody can produce the required evidence for a specific control.
Their Compliance Standards
This is another non-negotiable. The CMMC program was established because the DoD wants assurance that data is handled correctly.
If an MSP is implementing some of your CMMC requirements, they’ll need to ensure any environments related to your business are built to NIST 800-171 securing controls. Any Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) they handle on your behalf must be stored in a CMMC Level 2 compliant environment.
It's not enough for your MSP to secure your environment, their own internal tools and infrastructure must also be CMMC compliant.
Team and Infrastructure Locations
For DFARS, ITAR, and EAR requirements, this is critical. Verify that their data centers are located in the US and that the personnel supporting your environment are US citizens.
A Partnership Mindset
A true partner co-owns your compliance journey with you. They are proactive, transparent, and willing to work collaboratively to solve problems and meet your CMMC compliance requirements. You don’t want a vendor that just follows a checklist.
When a CMMC assessor is going through your environment and auditing your organization, they’re also auditing your MSP, so you're in it together. They’ll want to review how your MSP handles the tasks they’re responsible for and may even want to interview one of their team to ensure their processes line up with what’s documented in the SRM.
Transparent and Scalable Costs
The pricing model should be clear and predictable. Understand how costs might change as your company grows or after your initial audit is complete. Avoid providers with complex, opaque pricing structures.
An MSP is More Than a Compliance Partner
Choosing a CMMC managed service provider is one of the most important business decisions a DIB contractor will make as they begin their journey towards CMMC certification.
Whether preparing for a self-assessment or a third-party audit with a C3PAO, the right partner does more than just help your business tick the right boxes to achieve CMMC compliance needs, they’re a partner in growth, providing you with a competitive advantage in the crowded DoD market.
With CMMC deadlines in place, the clock is ticking. If you’re a DoD contractor or have ambitions to work on DoD projects, you need to start working towards CMMC right away.
CMMC is a marathon, not a sprint. You need a partner who can go the distance with you. At Workstreet, we help defense contractors automate CMMC Level 2 compliance, protect CUI, and win contracts with a complete, AI-enabled security program from the only AI-powered RPO.
Want to learn more about how we can help your business achieve CMMC? Schedule a call with one of our expert team here.