1. Read the contract and expected path
Pull solicitations, contracts, flow-downs, and customer expectations. Identify whether the work points toward FCI-only obligations, Level 2 self-assessment, or third-party assessment planning.
Timeline
CMMC Readiness Timeline: From Scoping to Assessment
CMMC readiness is usually a sequence, not one purchase order. Scope and environment decisions shape every quote, evidence request, remediation sprint, and assessment-prep milestone that follows.
2. Define CUI flow and the boundary
Map where CUI is created, received, stored, processed, and transmitted. Include users, systems, external providers, and workflows before major remediation decisions are priced.
3. Run gap review or readiness review
Use a gap review to find control shortfalls and a readiness review to test evidence, ownership, and assessment preparation. Use the CMMC gap assessment checklist when inputs are scattered.
4. Clean up SSP, POA&M, and owners
Turn findings into an updated SSP, realistic POA&M, current artifacts, and named control owners. Weak evidence can make a reasonable remediation plan hard to defend.
5. Decide environment and provider roles
If the current environment cannot support the desired boundary, choose between internal remediation, managed services, enclave approaches, or migration before final assessment scheduling.
6. Validate readiness before formal activity
Use an internal review, mock assessment, or readiness provider to test whether the team can explain scope, produce evidence, and show control operation without last-minute scrambling.
7. Execute the self-assessment or C3PAO workflow
Once scope, evidence, and responsibilities are stable, follow the applicable assessment workflow. Keep executive affirmation, score reporting, and evidence retention aligned with current requirements.
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