Top Questions to Ask Your CMMC Consultant or MSP Before Signing the Contract
Introduction
Partnering with the right CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) consultant or Managed Service Provider (MSP) can determine the success or failure of your compliance journey. A reliable partner will guide you through the complexities of CMMC requirements, provide actionable insights, and help your organization achieve certification efficiently.
However, with the influx of new entrants in the CMMC space, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to separate the experts from the unqualified. In this blog, we’ll provide a comprehensive list of questions to ask before signing a contract, ensuring you choose a partner who meets your needs and aligns with your compliance goals.
Why Vetting Your CMMC Partner Is Essential
Without proper vetting, you risk:
Increased Costs: Unqualified providers may lead to failed assessments or costly rework.
Missed Deadlines: Delays caused by poor planning or lack of expertise.
Compliance Risks: Gaps in preparation that result in failing to meet minimum assessment scores.
A well-qualified consultant or MSP can provide you with the confidence and clarity needed to succeed in the compliance process.
Important Questions to Consider Prior to Signing a Contract
1. What Certifications and Training Do You Have?
CMMC consultants and MSPs must have verifiable credentials, such as certifications from Cyber AB.
Certification | What It Ensures |
Certified CMMC Professional (CCP) | They understand the framework and can guide preparation. |
Certified CMMC Assessor (CCA) | They are authorized to conduct formal assessments. |
Follow-Up Questions:
“Are your certifications up to date?”
“Who on your team will work with us, and what are their qualifications?”
2. What Experience Do You Have with Similar Organizations?
Experience matters, especially when it comes to industry-specific compliance needs.
Ask for:
Case studies of similar businesses they’ve helped achieve certification.
References or testimonials from past clients.
Examples of their work in your specific industry.
Pro Tip: Choose a partner with experience in managing CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) environments if that’s relevant to your organization.
3. What Is Included in Your Service Offering?
Understand exactly what the provider will deliver and what they expect you to handle.
Key Deliverable | What to Look For |
Gap Analysis | Identifies areas of non-compliance. |
Documentation Support | Helps organize SSPs, POAMs, and other evidence. |
Mock Assessments | Provides a low-risk dry run to prepare for the real audit. |
End-to-End Support | Guides you through the entire process to “audit-ready” status. |
Follow-Up Questions:
“Do you provide mock assessments?”
“Will you help us map evidence to CMMC controls?”
“Do you offer ongoing support after certification?”
4. How Do You Calculate Costs, and What’s Included?
Transparency in pricing is crucial to avoid surprises later on.
Cost Factor | What to Clarify |
Assessment Scope | How the size and complexity of your organization impact costs. |
Fixed vs. Time-Based Pricing | Whether the contract is firm fixed-price or based on time and materials. |
Additional Fees | Travel expenses, additional support hours, etc. |
Ask Them:
“What’s included in the quoted price?”
“Are there any hidden fees?”
“Can you provide a detailed cost breakdown?”
5. What Tools and Technology Do You Use?
A reliable partner will use advanced tools like GRC platforms to streamline documentation and compliance efforts.
Follow-Up Questions:
“Do you use a GRC tool to map evidence to CMMC controls?”
“How will you track and manage documentation?”
“Do you offer tools for real-time compliance monitoring?”
6. How Do You Handle Communication and Progress Updates?
Clear and regular communication is critical throughout the compliance process.
Ask Them:
“How often will we meet to review progress?”
“Will we have a dedicated point of contact?”
“What tools will you use to provide updates (dashboards, reports, etc.)?”
7. Can You Provide References or Testimonials?
Speaking to past clients can give you valuable insights into the consultant’s or MSP’s reliability and expertise.
Ask for:
Contact details for a minimum of two previous clients.
Specific examples of how they helped other organizations succeed.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Lack of Certifications: Avoid providers who cannot prove they are CCP or CCA certified.
Vague Deliverables: If they can’t clearly outline what’s included, it’s a sign of inexperience.
Low Prices with No Explanation: Significantly lower quotes may mean corners are being cut.
No References: A lack of testimonials or case studies is a warning sign.
Checklist: Questions to Ask Your CMMC Partner
Question | Why It Matters |
“Are you CCP or CCA certified?” | Ensures they meet DoD-approved standards. |
“Do you offer mock assessments?” | Confirms they can help you prepare for the real audit. |
“What tools do you use for documentation?” | Ensures they leverage technology for efficiency. |
“Can you provide references?” | Verifies their experience and track record. |
“How do you calculate costs?” | Clarifies pricing to avoid surprises. |
“What industries have you worked with?” | Confirms their familiarity with your business type. |
Case Study: Evaluating Two MSPs for CMMC Readiness
Scenario: A small IT services firm needed CMMC Level 2 compliance. They considered two MSPs:
Criteria | MSP A | MSP B |
Certifications | Certified CMMC Professionals (CCP) | No certifications |
Experience | 5+ years with similar clients | 2 years in general IT services |
Deliverables | End-to-end compliance support | Limited guidance, no mock assessments |
Cost | $50,000 (transparent pricing) | $40,000 (hidden fees discovered later) |
Tools | GRC platform for documentation | Manual processes only |
Outcome: The IT firm chose MSP A, valuing their expertise, transparency, and use of advanced tools. They achieved compliance in 10 weeks.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Partner for CMMC Success
The right consultant or MSP will simplify your compliance journey, saving you time, money, and frustration. By asking the right questions and looking for red flags, you can confidently choose a partner who aligns with your goals.
📅 Book Your Free Demo of our Compliance Assessment Tool today and discover how we streamline your compliance journey with advanced tools and expert guidance.