How CMMC RPOs Help Defense Contractors Achieve Compliance Fast
Learn how CMMC RPOs help DoD contractors achieve compliance faster.
If you want Department of Defense (DoD) contracts — whether as a prime contractor or subcontractor —you need the correct level of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) certification. Period.
But CMMC requirements are complex. Preparing for your audit takes serious time and can be costly, especially if you're starting from scratch. That's where Registered Provider Organizations (RPOs) otherwise known as Cyber-AB RPOs come in.
RPOs are authorized guides who help contractors fix gaps, run readiness assessments, and nail down documentation before the formal CMMC assessment. They streamline everything so you can get certified faster.
Want to accelerate your CMMC compliance? This guide shows you exactly how RPOs like Workstreet help you navigate the process efficiently so you can stay competitive and compliant.
What is a CMMC RPO?
A CMMC Registered Provider Organization (RPO) is a company authorized by the CMMC Accreditation Body (Cyber-AB) to provide consulting and support services to contractors preparing for their CMMC certification.
The final CMMC rule went live at the end of 2024. For DoD contractors and suppliers in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) this means compliance isn't optional anymore, it's mandatory.
But preparing for CMMC compliance is tough, especially for Level 2 and 3. RPOs can help you navigate this process. RPOs have to pass strict Cyber-AB requirements (the DoD's official accreditation body) and every RPO employs at least one active CMMC Registered Practitioner, so when you work with an RPO, you can trust their ability to align your cybersecurity posture with CMMC requirements.
One important note: RPOs help you prepare, but they don't perform official CMMC assessments. Only Certified Third Party Assessor Organizations (C3PAOs) can do that.
Why Should Defense Contractors Hire an RPO to Achieve Compliance Faster?
CMMC is a must-have for defense contractors. So when it comes to CMMC compliance, my opinion is you should work with an RPO as early as possible because how you scope CMMC is exceptionally important.
Unlike some other privacy frameworks, CMMC Level 2 (which a large number of DoD contractors will need), requires a third-party audit so there’s no room for error.
Here are some key benefits of working with a CMMC RPO:
1. Accelerates Gap Analysis
RPOs offer pre-assessment consulting services and conduct thorough assessments to quickly identify compliance gaps with CMMC requirements and put together plans for successful CMMC implementation.
2. Streamlines SSP and POA&M Development
RPOs help you create audit-ready documentation quickly and accurately, including System Security Plans (SSPs) that detail your existing security controls, and Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms) to document controls that did not meet required standards.
3. Creating Remediation Roadmaps
Once gap analysis is complete, RPOs can help you help you tackle the biggest risks first through remediation, making sure that you meed all CMMC requirements for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
4. Improves Efficiency of Evidence Collection
Navigating the CMMC ecosystem and pulling together the required evidence can be incredibly time consuming for those who are working towards CMMC for the first time. An experienced RPO will have been through the process many times and will know how to leverage automation, evidence requests, map artifacts to controls to reduce the time taken to prepare for audit.
5. Provides Expert Guidance on CMMC Requirements
CMMC 2.0 (the latest version of CMMC) is complex. Completing it on your own isn’t easy and an RPO will bring extensive knowledge of CMMC, the audit process, DFARS clauses, and the NIST SP 800-171 to your team, helping you to navigate the process with confidence.
6. Offers Scalability and Flexibility
Most CMMC consulting is scalable and flexible, providing support as required. An RPO can usually ramp up as you prepare for audit and then scale back to offer on-going support as it’s needed to ensure you remain complaint in the long-term
7. Reduces Risk of Non-Compliance
This is the big one. Without CMMC your business won’t be able to bid on or support DoD contracts. RPOs can greatly increase your chances of achieving CMMC as quickly as possible, helping to mitigate any risks before your audit with a C3PAO.
8. A Cost-Effective Compliance Strategy
RPOs range in cost, depending on the scope required and complexity of existing security controls. While engaging one involves an initial investment, they can prevent costly rework, reduce the likelihood of failed assessments, and ensure eligibility for current and future DoD contracts, saving time and money in the long run.
RPO vs C3PAO vs CMMC RP: The Key Differences
All three entities require different certifications and carry out either an advisory or assessment function. The Cyber AB ensures advisory and assessment roles are separated, so there is no conflict of interest. Here’s what you need to know about the three roles:
RPO (Registered Provider Organization)
RPOs provide advisory services to help ensure your business meets CMMC standards. Every RPO is registered with Cyber-AB and has at least one Registered Practitioner on staff.
CMMC RP (Registered Practitioner)
Registered Practitioners work within RPOs to provide advisory services. Like RPOs, they can't perform official CMMC assessments. Every RP is credentialed by Cyber-AB and follows their Code of Professional Conduct.
C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization)
C3PAOs conduct your official CMMC assessment, issue findings, and certify your compliance. They're strictly auditors and can't provide advisory services to anyone they're assessing.
How an RPO Gets Your Business Ready for CMMC Assessment
An RPOs role is to support your CMMC compliance journey and get you ready for assessment. To do this an RPO will provide:
Gap Analysis and Readiness Assessments
A gap analyses and readiness assessment will compare your current security against CMMC and NIST 800-171 requirements, evaluate your maturity level, and validate your scope to produce a clear roadmap to close every compliance gap.
Policy and Procedure Development
RPOs help you draft or refine CMMC-aligned standards, policies, and procedures, ensuring documentation like SSPs and Written Information Security Plans (WISPs) are up to standard.
Technical Control Implementation Support
RPOs offer support and guidance for the implementation of technical controls required by the CMMC framework, such as multi-factor authentication, logging, encryption, and access management.
Staff Training and Awareness
Awareness and Training (AT) is a key part of CMMC and requires that organizations ensure their staff (users, managers, and system administrators) are aware of cybersecurity risks and are properly trained to carry out their security-related duties.
Workstreet: An AI-Powered RPO Solution
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.
Workstreet automates gap analysis, generates real-time compliance dashboards, and provides continuous monitoring to keep you compliant 24/7, so you’re always ready for C3PAO assessments.
Get expert guidance and win defense contracts quicker with Workstreet. Schedule a call.
CMMC RPO FAQs
What is the typical timeline for RPO engagement?
RPO engagements can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on your organization’s cybersecurity posture and the CMMC level you’re aiming for.
Can an RPO conduct the official CMMC assessment after providing advisory services?
No, RPOs can't perform official CMMC assessments . Cyber-AB requires this separation to prevent conflicts of interest and keep the final C3PAO assessment objective.
How does an RPO work with a C3PAO during the assessment?
RPOs can interpret findings, advise on corrective actions, and prepare your documentation but they can't participate in or influence the official C3PAO assessment.
Do small contractors need an RPO if they only require CMMC Level 1 certification?
If you don't have dedicated cybersecurity staff, even CMMC Level 1 can be tough. RPOs help small contractors avoid common mistakes, streamline prep, and nail down audit-ready documentation—especially if this is your first time through CMMC certification.