For CEOs leading small to mid-sized government contractors, CMMC 2.0 isn’t just another line item — it’s a make-or-break factor in their eligibility for DoD contracts. And yet, one of the most pressing questions they face is deceptively simple:
“How much is CMMC compliance going to cost us?”
This isn’t just a financial inquiry — it’s a leadership challenge. Because the real risk isn’t overspending. It’s underpreparing.
The Hidden Cost of Noncompliance
While technology upgrades and cybersecurity tools are part of the equation, they’re rarely the most costly part of the journey.
The real financial exposure comes from:
- Failing a third-party assessment and having to start over.
- Losing DoD contracts due to incomplete compliance.
- Suffering a cybersecurity incident that exposes Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
In short: the most expensive path is the one paved with shortcuts, missteps, or going it alone.
The Case for Partnering with a Registered Provider Organization (RPO)
Partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) that also holds the Cyber-AB’s RPO designation isn’t just a smart choice — it’s a strategic imperative.
Here’s why:
- RPOs are trained and listed by the Cyber-AB, the governing body overseeing CMMC.
- RPOs have access to official CMMC training and resources.
- Working with an RPO signals credibility to assessors and primes.
- An RPO helps with real-world application of NIST SP 800-171 controls.
How to Structure a Smart CMMC Budget
Forward-looking CEOs are building their 2025 budgets around three key pillars:
Foundational Readiness
- Includes a gap analysis, creation of the System Security Plan (SSP), and POA&M.
- This phase sets the blueprint — critical for aligning resources properly from the start.
Remediation and Security Hardening
- Involves implementing required technical and policy controls.
- RPO-aligned MSPs often streamline this process with proven frameworks and tools.
Ongoing Compliance and Monitoring
- CMMC isn’t a one-time fix.
- Budgeting must include continuous monitoring, employee training, and documentation updates.
Avoiding Budget Pitfalls
Some organizations overspend by buying every tool under the sun — others underspend and fail to prepare for assessments.
The optimal path? Strategic alignment. A good RPO-led MSP will assess not just what’s needed for compliance, but also what’s right for the business model, contract scope, and risk tolerance.
Final Word: Invest in Peace of Mind
CMMC 2.0 is more than a compliance initiative — it’s an operational safeguard. For CEOs, the smartest move isn’t just budgeting more — it’s budgeting better.
That means choosing a guide who’s been trained, vetted, and trusted: a Registered Provider Organization.
Because the right partner doesn’t just prepare you for the audit — they help protect everything the business has built.
