CMMC Level 2 for MSPs and
MSSPs — and Their Clients
Deliver scalable, CMMC Level 2–aligned cybersecurity services with Cynomi’s AI-powered vCISO platform. Automate gap assessments, build documentation, and help clients meet DoD compliance requirements with confidence.
What is CMMC Level 2 and Why
Does It Matter for MSPs and MSSPs?
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) Level 2 is the U.S. Department of Defense’s requirement for contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Based entirely on NIST SP 800-171, Level 2 requires organizations to implement and document 110 security practices across 14 control families—and pass an external audit.
For MSPs and MSSPs, CMMC Level 2 presents a clear opportunity to provide compliance readiness services. Clients need help with assessments, System Security Plans (SSPs), Plans of Action and Milestones (POAMs), and control implementation. Providers aligned with CMMC can deliver scalable services to defense contractors and subcontractors navigating pre-award eligibility requirements.
What Organizations Does
CMMC Level 2 Apply To?
CMMC Level 2 applies to all defense contractors and subcontractors that process or store CUI as part of Department of Defense contracts. It is especially relevant for:
Research Institutions
Engineering Firms
Aerospace and Defense Manufacturers
Cloud and SaaS Vendors Serving DoD Contractors
Technology Integrators and Supply Chain Providers
MSPs & MSSPs with access to CUI
CMMC Level 2 Core Components
CMMC Level 2 requires implementation of all 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls. These are organized into 14 control families, including:
Access Control
Limit information system access to authorized users and devices.
Audit and Accountability
Collect, protect, and review audit logs to detect anomalies and support investigations.
Configuration Management
Apply secure configurations and restrict unauthorized system changes.
System and Communications Protection
Use encryption, segmentation, and monitoring to protect transmitted and stored data.
Incident Response
Prepare for, detect, report, and recover from cybersecurity incidents.
Risk Assessment
Periodically assess threats and vulnerabilities that could impact CUI protection.
Why MSPs and MSSPs
Should Align With CMMC Level 2
CMMC Level 2 opens long-term service opportunities for providers able to support readiness, documentation, remediation, and ongoing control management.
Deliver structured, control-based compliance services aligned with federal standards
Build recurring value through SSP/POAM management and ongoing oversight
Help clients meet pre-award eligibility and protect revenue-critical contracts
Position as a long-term partner for NIST, CMMC, and broader compliance frameworks
How MSPs and MSSPs Can Comply with
CMMC Level 2 and Help Clients Do the Same
Cynomi guides you step by step through managing cybersecurity and compliance.
Assess & Identify
Launch CMMC Readiness Assessments Based on NIST 800-171
- Conduct automated gap assessments across all 110 required controls
- Auto-generate a control implementation section for System Security Plan (SSP) and POA&M
- Score compliance based on DoD’s SPRS scoring methodology
Establish & Plan
Build Control Implementation and Remediation Plans
- Auto-generate required policy documentation and task tracking
- Map control owners, remediation timelines, and risk mitigation priorities
- Prepare documentation aligned with C3PAO audit expectations
Optimize & Track Progress
Manage CMMC Readiness and Ongoing Program Maturity
- Track progress by control family and implementation status
- Maintain evidence libraries and recurring documentation
- Prepare clients for reassessments and long-term CMMC program maintenance
Framework FAQs
CMMC Level 2 mirrors the 110 security controls of NIST SP 800-171 and requires formal documentation, implementation, and third-party audit readiness.
Yes, for any organization that handles CUI under a DoD contract. Certification is required prior to award for covered contracts.
A Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) conducts independent audits for CMMC Level 2 certification. The results are submitted to the DoD for approval.
Yes. If an MSP accesses systems or data where CUI resides, it is considered part of the client’s assessment boundary and must be included in SSP documentation.
Cynomi automates control assessments, generates SSPs and POA&Ms, assigns and tracks tasks, and prepares audit-ready documentation—enabling MSPs to deliver CMMC readiness at scale.