Our services.
RMF implementation and ATO sustainment for defense contractors and federal agencies — handled by a team that works inside your program, not at arm's length.
RMF Lifecycle & ATO Support
Risk Management Framework implementation for federal systems — we run categorization, control implementation, and the assessment-and-authorization push that gets you to ATO.
Continuous Monitoring & ATO Sustainment
Ongoing compliance management to maintain your authorization — POA&M tracking, ConMon reporting, and reauthorization support.
Compliance Documentation
System Security Plans, POA&Ms, and the supporting artifacts your assessor actually asks for — written to be used, not just filed.
Security Assessments
Assessments against your NIST 800-53 baseline that find the gaps before an auditor does, with a remediation plan you can actually work.
Infrastructure Hardening
System hardening and secure configuration to STIG and SRG benchmarks — applied and documented so the controls survive the next scan.
Secure AI & Systems Integration
Bringing AI tools and modern systems into federal and defense environments — integrated, hardened, and authorized under the same RMF discipline as everything else we do.
The six RMF steps — and how we run them with you.
- Step 01
Categorize
System boundary, information types, and FIPS 199 impact levels defined with your mission owners.
- Step 02
Select
NIST SP 800-53 baseline tailored to the system, with overlays and compensating controls where they fit.
- Step 03
Implement
Controls deployed, configuration hardened, and evidence captured as the system is built — not after.
- Step 04
Assess
Independent assessment, SAR development, and POA&M scoping against the approved SSP.
- Step 05
Authorize
Authorization package delivered to the AO with a risk-informed recommendation and executive summary.
- Step 06
Monitor
Continuous monitoring cadence, control reviews, and change management that sustain the ATO.
Frequently asked questions.
Common questions about CMMC, RMF, and federal cybersecurity compliance.
What is CMMC?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a Department of Defense framework that measures a defense contractor's cybersecurity practices and processes. It ensures that companies handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) meet specific security requirements before being awarded DoD contracts.
Who needs CMMC certification?
Any organization in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) that processes, stores, or transmits Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) will need CMMC certification. This includes prime contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers at all tiers of the DoD supply chain.
What is the Risk Management Framework (RMF)?
The Risk Management Framework (RMF) is a structured process developed by NIST for integrating security and risk management into the system development lifecycle. Federal agencies and DoD organizations use RMF to authorize information systems, ensuring they meet defined security requirements before operation.
What is an Authority to Operate (ATO)?
An Authority to Operate (ATO) is a formal authorization granted by a designated authority that allows an information system to operate within a defined environment. Achieving an ATO requires completing the RMF process, including security assessments and risk acceptance decisions by the authorizing official.
How long does CMMC certification take?
The timeline varies depending on your organization's current cybersecurity posture and the target CMMC level. Typically, CMMC Level 1 self-assessment preparation takes 2-4 months, while Level 2 certification preparation can take 6-18 months depending on the number of gaps identified during the readiness assessment.
What is the difference between CMMC Level 1 and Level 2?
CMMC Level 1 (Foundational) requires implementation of 17 basic safeguarding practices from FAR 52.204-21 and can be satisfied through self-assessment. Level 2 (Advanced) requires implementation of all 110 security requirements from NIST SP 800-171 and typically requires a third-party assessment by a C3PAO.
What are STIGs?
Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) are configuration standards developed by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) for hardening information systems. STIGs provide prescriptive guidance for configuring operating systems, applications, and network devices to reduce their attack surface and meet DoD security requirements.
Does my company need FedRAMP authorization?
If your company provides cloud products or services to federal agencies, you likely need FedRAMP authorization. FedRAMP provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring of cloud services used by the federal government.
What is NIST SP 800-171?
NIST Special Publication 800-171 defines 110 security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems. It is the foundation for CMMC Level 2 requirements and is referenced in DFARS clause 252.204-7012, making it mandatory for defense contractors handling CUI.
How do I know if I need a cybersecurity assessment?
If your organization handles sensitive government data, pursues federal contracts, or operates within the defense supply chain, a cybersecurity assessment is essential. An assessment identifies gaps in your security posture, scores controls against your baseline, and shows which controls to remediate first.
Ready to get started?
Bring us your system and your timeline. We'll scope the RMF work, embed with your team, and own it through authorization and beyond.
Contact Us Today