CMMC 2.0

The release of CMMC 2.0 from the Department of Defense hasn’t changed what Edwards has to offer our CCP Exam Prep Course participants. The CMMC-AB has directed all LTPs to deliver CCP courses without modification, and will provide a free CMMC 2.0 “delta training” for all students before the exam becomes publicly available.

Anticipated improvements will address the new model – but our CCP courses are in full swing and delivering EVERY BIT OF VALUE you would expect from Edwards Performance Solutions!

What is CMMC 2.0?

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a unified standard for implementing cybersecurity across the defense industrial base. While the CMMC Standard was created for the Defense Supply Chain, there are many other government agencies and allies of the United States interested in using the CMMC Standard.

The standard is overseen by the CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB). The CMMC-AB establishes and oversees a qualified, trained, and high-fidelity community of consultants and assessors who can deliver consistent and informative assessments to participating organizations against a defined set of controls/best practices within the CMMC Program. The CMMC 2.0 Model itself is created and managed by both CMMC-AB and the DoD.

The CMMC will review and combine various cybersecurity standards and best practices and map these controls and processes across several maturity levels that range from basic cyber hygiene to advanced.

Looking for up-to-date CMMC news?

Our CMMC Newsletter features thought leadership from our team of cybersecurity subject matter experts on all things CMMC and how it can affect you and your company.

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Edwards & the CMMC Ecosystem

Edwards plays a role in nearly every aspect of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) ecosystem — training and education, consulting, assessments, and certification. Currently, Edwards supports Organizations Seeking Certification (OSC) as a Registered Provider Organization (RPO) and candidate Certified Third Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO), providing CMMC-AB approved assessments, consulting, and audit preparation through our proprietary Compliance Assessments. We are also Licensed Training Provider (LTP) and Licensed Partner Publisher (LPP), developing training and providing CMMC-AB certified classes to organizations and individuals planning to take CMMC-AB certification exams or utilize other LPP curriculum. Check out our CMMC FAQ page for more in-depth answers to all your CMMC questions!

CMMC will start to appear in upcoming statements of work once federal rule-making is complete (estimated 9-24 months; August 2022-November 2023), and it is critical to prepare for compliance now. High formal assessment demand means you must be prepared to pass the first time or risk being waitlisted – potentially foregoing large DoD contract opportunities. CMMC compliance will be a go-no-go decision gate at the time of the contract award.

Our team of cybersecurity experts brings more than a half century’s worth of deep understanding and experience in assessing and interpreting standards, guidelines, and best practices to improve cybersecurity programs.

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CMMC QUICK FACTS

✅ CMMC draws from NIST standards, the DoD, and the international security community; CMMC 2.0 focuses entirely on NIST 800-171 security safeguards

✅ One size does not fit all – different levels of security are necessary, depending on the contract and sensitivity of the data involved

✅ CMMC 2.0 won’t appear in contracts until rulemaking is decided (estimated 9-24 months; August 2022-November 2023)

✅ CMMC includes the entire DoD industrial base – approximately 300,000 contractors and subcontractors

✅ CMMC-AB LPPs and LTPs are authorized to develop and train OSCs in various CMMC certification and informational courses

CMMC EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

Working towards self-attestation or formal certification within the CMMC ecosystem can be a daunting task for any organization. This is where the need for various training and education can make a world of difference in understanding the CMMC Model, best practices, and the ability to apply concepts around protecting information. It is critical to have a solid comprehension of the legal and regulatory guidance as it pertains to the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Cybersecurity posture.

As a CMMC-AB Licensed Partner Publisher (LPP) and Licensed Training Provider (LTP), Edwards produces quality training materials for other LTPs or Organizations Seeking Certification (OSC).

The CMMC-AB Approved Training Materials (CATM) are developed by internal and external CMMC cybersecurity rockstars who bring a dynamic blend of real-world NIST assessment and consulting experience. Our highly sought-after CMMC courses and boot camps are taught by our team of world-class Provisional Instructors – the industry’s most respected CMMC experts. It is no surprise that the quality and professionalism of our curricula set the bar in the CMMC training ecosystem, as our courses are created using Edwards’ instructional systems design approach based on industry standards – and have been for 23+ years.

Our online courses and accompanying course materials are updated continuously to provide the most accurate and recent CMMC information, but if certification boot camps are not a right fit for you we offer SME-led CMMC peer groups and ongoing study groups. We aim to provide flexible learning at the click of a button – delivering an accessible way to enhance and develop CMMC expertise. We also offer customized training and discounts for multiple seat purchases; inquire to learn more!

VIEW CURRENT COURSES >

CMMC-AB COURSES ARE IN FULL SWING!!

Your CMMC certification journey begins with a solid foundation. Our CMMC-AB approved 5-day CCP course provides a comprehensive look at the CMMC 2.0 standard and prepares participants to perform as effective CMMC assessors, implementers, and consultants. With our team of world-class Provisional Instructors with decades of experience, participants can expect a well-rounded view of CMMC.

To add even more value, we offer a free weekly study group for all CCP participants who complete the Edwards course, continuing until the CCP exam is available. Enroll in a session today!

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CMMC CONSULTING & ASSESSMENTS

To continue work with the government, organizations will be required to either self-attest to 800-171 safeguards at Level 1/Level2, or must be certified at CMMC Maturity Level 2 or Level 3 depending on contract requirements, but most aren’t sure where to start. The CMMC-AB created the RPO certification to provide OSCs confidence in their consultant selection for both quality and knowledge of CMMC concepts to get the job done. C3PAOs are the only organizations authorized to conduct official CMMC assessments against security practices of Maturity Level 1 or Level 2 designated by the CMMC-AB. If your government contract requires Level 3, a C3PAO will be required to assess and recommend a Level 2 award prior to a DIBCAC Level 3 assessment.

As an RPO and C3PAO, Edwards is equipped to provide advisory CMMC Level 1 or Level 2 consulting services and support, as well as pre-certification assessments to establish a CMMC plan of action. OSCs should work with an RPO or candidate C3PAO to prepare for either certification; however, you cannot engage with the same C3PAO for both pre-assessment consulting services and the actual CMMC assessment. All verified RPOs and candidate C3PAOs are listed on the CMMC-AB Marketplace. Our goal is to advise DoD suppliers on how to best prepare for a successful CMMC assessment and enforce the maturity levels designed by the CMMC-AB.

Our team of cybersecurity experts brings more than a half century’s worth of understanding and experience in assessing and interpreting standards, guidelines, and best practices to improve cybersecurity programs. Edwards has actively conducted NIST 800-171 assessments since 2015, and as an organization was an early entrant into the CMMC ecosystem. Edwards is here to assist you on your CMMC journey!

CMMC ASSESSMENTS

To continue work with the government, companies must be certified at an appropriate level of maturity against the CMMC, but many companies need help determining where to start.

Our approach is designed to be affordable and provide you with exactly what you need to do in preparation for a CMMC audit. At this time, Edwards offers a NIST 800-171 Assessment, mapped to the CMMC model, with varying levels of consulting support. Edwards continues to increase our offerings as the DoD provides more CMMC compliance information. Contact us at Info@EdwPS.com for more information.

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CMMC TIMELINE

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Dec 31, 2017

NIST 800-171 Security Requirements Adopted

Companies must implement the 110 security requirements of NIST 800-171, or document in a System Security Plan and Plans of Action for those requirements that are not yet implemented and must provide a date when the requirements will be implemented (DFARS 252.204-7012).

Jun 24, 2020

NIST 800-171 Assessment Methodology Established

NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Methodology rev 1.2.1, documents the standard methodology enabling a strategic assessment of a contractor’s implementation of NIST SP 800-171, a requirement for compliance with DFARS clause 252.204-7012.

Jul 01, 2020

NIST 800-171 Assessment Self-Reporting Capability Added to SPRS

DoD announces the deployment of a cyber assessment capability module in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) to support National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication SP 800-171 compliance (https://www.sprs.csd.disa.mil/). With this deployment, authorized representatives of the contractor are able to enter results for
self-assessments in SPRS via the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) https://piee.eb.mil/piee-landing/.

Nov 30, 2020

DoD Contract Award Requires Current 800-171 Assessment in SPRS

Companies are required to implement the NIST SP 800-171 standard and to have a current (<3 years) NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment on record in order to be considered for contract award. The provision requires companies to ensure the results of any applicable current Assessments are posted in the Supplier Performance Risk System (DFARS 252.204-7019).

Dec 01, 2020

DoD Begins Phase in CMMC Standard Over 5 Year Period

Until October 1, 2025:

Inclusion of CMMC requirements in all DoD solicitations is phased in over a 5 year time period.  The contracts that will incorporate CMMC requirements are determined by the DoD’s Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

Oct 01, 2025

All DoD Solicitations Require Compliance with CMMC Standard

After October 1, 2025:

All entities receiving DoD contracts and orders, other than commercial off the shelf (COTS) products, will be required to have the CMMC Level identified in the solicitation, and at a minimum will require a CMMC Level 1 certification.

 

MEET THE TEAM

Our Cybersecurity Team brings more than ten decades of combined cybersecurity experience in assessing and interpreting NIST, CIS, HIPAA and ISO 27001 standards and guidelines. Our expert management and implementation of security programs throughout the government, commercial, and healthcare industries is well respected and far reaching. Meet our team to see why!

Brian Hubbard

Director, Commercial and Cybersecurity

CISM ⚬ PMP ⚬ PA ⚬ PI

Brian Hubbard brings 35+ years of cybersecurity program management experience to his role within Edwards Performance Solutions. Brian leads all Commercial business and cybersecurity engagements, including CMMC initiatives, supporting organizations in their CMMC knowledge and preparation. Prior to Edwards, Brian led the contractor team supporting NIST in the development of the “Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity” (i.e., the NIST Cybersecurity Framework) in response to Executive Order 13636.

Sam Bell

Chief Information Security Officer

PMP ⚬ SSCP ⚬ RP

Sam Bell leverages 36+ years of IT and project management experience in managing data warehouse, call center, reporting, and security infrastructure and assessments projects. His focus on process improvement ensures a consistent, repeatable, and measurable approach is taken to deliver value and a secure operating environment for clients. At Edwards, Sam oversees the Cybersecurity Assessments practice, leading NIST 800-53, HIPAA, NIST CSF, and CMMC readiness assessments for firms of all sizes, across diverse industries.

Joy Beland

CMMC Training Program Manager

CISM ⚬ SSAP ⚬ PA ⚬ PI

Joy Beland joined Edwards in 2020. Joy founded and managed a successful security-focused MSP practice for 21 years, then pivoted to serve the MSP community as a cybersecurity instructor. After educating 3,000+ Engineers and Development Reps on cybersecurity fundamentals, Joy joined forces with Edwards and is now responsible for managing and delivering all aspects of CMMC-AB approved certification training. She is also an active participant of the Commercial Cybersecurity Assessment Team.

Marcellus Williams

Sr. Penetration Tester

CEH Master ⚬ Security+ ⚬ CCNA ⚬ CISSP

Marcellus Williams joined Edwards Performance Solutions in 2020 and works concurrently as a Network Analyst in the United States Army Reserves. In addition to 10+ years of penetration testing experience, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and a Master’s Degree in Computer Information Assurance. Prior to Edwards, he worked at the DoD where he was tasked to emulate Nation State hackers and Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs).

Matt Hoeper

Sr. Cybersecurity Consultant

PMP ⚬ CISSP ⚬ PA ⚬ PI

Matt Hoeper is an experienced cybersecurity professional with 25+ years of IT experience. Matt holds a Master’s degree in Management Information Systems as well as PMP and CISSP certifications. Prior to joining Edwards, he worked for Fortune 500 companies and small businesses in areas of engineering, financial, marketing, supply chain, manufacturing, and health care. Over his career, Matt has conducted security assessments against multiple standards.

Joe Stoner

Cybersecurity Consultant

CEH ⚬ CySA+

Joe Stoner is an IT and cybersecurity professional at Edwards with 6+ years of experience, focusing on computer administration and network/system security. Since joining Edwards in 2014, Joe has conducted security risk assessments for clients, using multiple standards and frameworks (i.e., NIST 800-53, 800-171, CSF, and ISO 27001), provided cybersecurity services to mature client security postures, and developed/implemented procedures to meet security goals.

Tyler Gormus

Cybersecurity Consultant

CEH ⚬ PA*

Tyler Gormus joined the Edwards Cybersecurity Team in 2018. He provides experience in conducting security risk assessments for clients in using multiple standards and frameworks (i.e., NIST 800-53, 800-171, CSF, and ISO 27001), interviewing appropriate stakeholders, and implements an easy to use/costeffective approach for customers working toward compliance. Tyler also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secure Computing and Information Assurance.