DoD Cybersecurity Framework

The CMMC Level 1 & Level 2 DIY Readiness Kit —
Build Your Compliance Program Internally

A self-paced toolkit with the gap assessment tools, documentation templates, SSP structure, and readiness guidance your team needs to prepare internally for CMMC Level 1 or Level 2 requirements without outsourcing the work.

A Contractual Cybersecurity Standard for the DoD Supply Chain

CMMC 2.0 is a Department of Defense (DoD) framework that requires organizations to demonstrate that their cybersecurity practices meet a defined level of maturity. It is designed to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) across the defense industrial base (DIB) supply chain.

Unlike a voluntary certification, CMMC is built into DoD acquisition regulations. If your contract specifies a CMMC level, your organization must meet and maintain that level to remain eligible to compete or perform. Implementation began November 10, 2025, and requirements are being phased across DoD contracts.

The Washington Process Group CMMC Level 1 & Level 2 Readiness Kit gives your organization the structured tools and templates to build your documentation, policies, and compliance structure independently — so you are ready when an assessment comes.

Framework Quick Reference

Full NameCybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0

Issuing AuthorityU.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

Current VersionCMMC 2.0 (implementation began November 10, 2025)

BasisNIST SP 800-171 (Level 2); NIST SP 800-172 (Level 3)

Who It Applies ToOrganizations in the DoD supply chain handling FCI or CUI

Result SubmissionSupplier Performance Risk System (SPRS)

Three Levels of Compliance

Your required CMMC level is determined by the type of information your organization handles and will be specified in applicable DoD RFPs and contracts.

Level 1 — Foundational

Federal Contract Information (FCI)

Annual self-assessment for contractors that handle Federal Contract Information. Focuses on 17 basic cybersecurity practices aligned to FAR Clause 52.204-21.

Assessment: Annual self-assessment & affirmation by company senior official
Level 2 — Advanced

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

For organizations handling CUI. Requires implementation of all 110 practices from NIST SP 800-171. Most programs require a triennial third-party assessment by a C3PAO.

Assessment: Triennial C3PAO assessment (some programs allow self-assessment)
Level 3 — Expert

Highest-Priority CUI Programs

For organizations supporting the most sensitive DoD programs. Based on a subset of NIST SP 800-172 practices above the Level 2 baseline.

Assessment: Triennial government-led assessment by DCMA DIBCAC
Kit scope: This kit is designed for CMMC Level 1 and Level 2 readiness only. It is not designed for Level 3 requirements.

For Organizations That Want to Build This Themselves

This is not a consulting engagement. There is no project manager assigned to your account, no consultant writing your System Security Plan, and no managed delivery service. The CMMC Level 1 & Level 2 Readiness Kit is a self-directed resource — structured so your team can run the gap assessment, build the required documentation, and work through the process at your own pace.

It is designed for organizations that want to own the process internally — with clear structure, practical tools, and a roadmap that does not require outside help to follow.

What you get

Structured templates, gap assessment tools, an SSP framework, a POAM template, policy templates, and a step-by-step implementation roadmap — organized for your team to customize and apply.

What you do

Run the gap assessment, customize the documentation to your environment, build out your SSP, close your POAM items, and prepare your evidence package — with the kit as your guide throughout.

Built for Organizations Preparing for Level 1 or Level 2

The CMMC Level 1 & Level 2 Readiness Kit is for organizations that want to build their compliance program independently — with the right tools and structure, not a third party doing the work for them.

Organizations Handling FCI (Level 1)

Your contracts involve Federal Contract Information and you need to meet Level 1 requirements. The kit gives you the assessment tool, readiness checklist, and documentation structure to work through the 17 Level 1 practices internally.

Organizations Handling CUI (Level 2)

Your contracts involve Controlled Unclassified Information and you need the documentation structure to build a Level 2-ready program internally — SSP, POAM, policies, and evidence — on your own timeline.

Small Businesses in the DoD Supply Chain

You are a small or mid-size contractor preparing for Level 1 or Level 2 requirements and need a practical, structured approach your team can work through without the overhead of a large consulting engagement.

Subcontractors With Flow-Down Requirements

Your prime contractor is flowing Level 1 or Level 2 CMMC requirements down and you need to understand your scope, build the required documentation, and meet the applicable level independently.

Organizations Starting From Scratch

You have not yet built a formal cybersecurity program and need a clear Level 1 or Level 2 starting point — documented policies, a system security plan template, and a structured roadmap your team can follow.

Contractors Preparing for a Level 2 C3PAO Assessment

You have an upcoming Level 2 third-party assessment and need to close documented gaps, organize your evidence, and confirm your SSP and POAM are in assessor-ready condition.

Everything Your Team Needs to Build Your CMMC Level 1 or Level 2 Program

The CMMC Level 1 & Level 2 Readiness Kit includes structured tools and templates organized around the full readiness process — from gap assessment through evidence organization and assessment preparation.

Gap Assessment Tool

Mapped to all 110 NIST SP 800-171 practices across all 14 domains. Run the assessment yourself to identify what is implemented, partially implemented, or not yet in place.

CMMC Readiness Checklist

A structured checklist covering Level 1 and Level 2 practices — organized so your team can track readiness status across each domain without starting from scratch.

System Security Plan (SSP) Template

Structured for assessor review and aligned to NIST SP 800-171 requirements. Your team customizes it to describe how each practice is implemented in your specific environment.

Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) Template

Documents gaps identified in the assessment with milestones and responsible owners. Required for Level 2 and reviewed by assessors as part of the assessment process.

Cybersecurity Policy and Procedure Templates

Core policies and procedures aligned to CMMC practice families, ready for your team to customize. Covers access control, incident response, media protection, configuration management, and more.

Implementation Roadmap

A phase-by-phase roadmap aligned to Level 1 and Level 2 requirements. Gives your team a logical sequence for working through gap closure, documentation, and assessment preparation.

Evidence Organization Guidance

Practical guidance for identifying, organizing, and labeling evidence that supports each practice. Helps your team build an evidence package that meets assessor expectations.

30 Days of Email Support

Email-based support for questions that come up as your team works through the kit — clarifying requirements, interpreting assessment findings, or navigating template customization.

Six Steps to Assessment Readiness

The kit is organized around a logical progression. Your team works through each step using the included tools — at your own pace, on your own schedule.

1

Determine Your Scope and Required Level

Identify which CMMC level applies based on your contracts and the type of information you handle. Review existing contracts for CUI handling clauses and FCI obligations. Your required level is specified in applicable DoD RFPs — this step confirms your scope before you run the assessment.

2

Run the Gap Assessment

Use the included gap assessment tool — mapped to all 110 NIST SP 800-171 practices across all 14 domains — to document what your organization currently has implemented, what is partially in place, and what still needs to be addressed. This becomes the basis for your POAM.

3

Build Your System Security Plan

Using the SSP template, document how each required practice is implemented in your specific environment. The SSP is the primary artifact assessors review. Work through each practice domain systematically, customizing the template language to accurately describe your environment and controls.

4

Customize Policies and Populate the POAM

Apply the policy and procedure templates to your organization, customizing each document to reflect your actual practices. Populate the POAM template with gaps identified during the assessment, assign owners, and set target completion dates for each item.

5

Close Gaps and Organize Evidence

Work through your POAM to address identified gaps — technical changes, policy updates, configuration management, and access control measures. Use the evidence organization guidance to collect and label artifacts that demonstrate each practice is in place. Evidence quality matters as much as what you have implemented.

6

Prepare for Assessment and Submit to SPRS

Use the readiness checklist to confirm all required documentation is complete before engaging an assessor or submitting your SPRS score. Level 1: complete a self-assessment and submit through SPRS with a senior official affirmation. Level 2: engage a C3PAO for a triennial third-party assessment.

Why CMMC Readiness Matters

Contract Eligibility — Without the required CMMC level, your organization cannot compete for or be awarded applicable DoD contracts.

Flow-Down Requirements — Prime contractors must flow CMMC requirements to subcontractors. Readiness is a supply chain obligation, not just a prime contractor issue.

Documentation Is Reviewed — Assessors examine your SSP, policies, and evidence. Incomplete or informal documentation is a finding — not a minor gap.

SPRS Score Visibility — Your self-assessment score is visible to contracting officers in SPRS and can affect contract decisions before formal CMMC requirements appear in your contract.

Time to Implement — Organizations that underestimate how long this takes often face contract pressure with insufficient runway. Starting early with a structured kit gives your team more room to work.

CMMC Requirements Are Active and Expanding

CMMC 2.0 implementation began November 10, 2025. Requirements are being phased into DoD contracts across the supply chain. Organizations that are not prepared risk losing eligibility for contract opportunities and failing required assessments.

Organizations that wait until a specific contract requires CMMC typically underestimate how much time is needed to close gaps, build required documentation, and prepare for an assessment. The best time to start is before you are under contract pressure — and working through the kit on your own timeline gives you that flexibility.

Book a Paid Advisory Call

What the Kit Does Not Include

The CMMC Level 1 & Level 2 Readiness Kit is a self-directed resource. It is not a consulting service, a managed implementation program, or a done-for-you delivery. If your organization needs active expert involvement at key milestones, optional advisory support is available separately — but the kit itself is designed for internal use by your team.

No Consultant Assigned

There is no project manager or CMMC consultant managing your account. Your team owns the process and drives the timeline using the kit tools.

No SSP or Policy Writing

The kit provides templates and structure. Your team writes the content, customizing the SSP, POAM, and policies to accurately reflect your organization's environment and controls.

No Scheduled Advisory Sessions

The kit does not include live advisory or review sessions. The 30 days of email support covers questions as they arise during kit use. Structured advisory is available as a separate add-on.

No Assessment Body Engagement

Washington Process Group does not coordinate with C3PAOs on your behalf. Engaging an assessment body for Level 2 is your organization's responsibility.

Self-Paced. One-Time Purchase. Your Team Implements.

Everything your team needs to build your CMMC Level 1 or Level 2 compliance program independently — without a blank page or a consultant.

Self-Paced · One-Time · Internal Use
$1,497

One-time purchase · Self-paced

A self-paced readiness toolkit designed for organizations that need a practical way to organize documentation, manage activities internally, and track progress using structured tools and guidance materials aligned to Level 1 and Level 2 readiness work.

  • Self-paced DIY format
  • Structured templates and trackers
  • Planning and progress tools
  • Readiness support materials
  • Practical guidance documents

Email: yolanda@washingtonprocessgroup.com

Also Pursuing ISO 9001:2015?

Many organizations pursuing CMMC Level 1 or Level 2 compliance also need a certified Quality Management System. Washington Process Group supports both frameworks. Learn about the ISO 9001:2015 Readiness Kit.

View ISO 9001 →

Optional Advisory Help

For organizations that want limited strategic input while still managing the work internally, advisory help may be available separately. The primary offer, however, is the DIY kit itself.

Advisory
60-Minute Advisory Call
Starting at $250
Advisory
90-Minute Advisory Call
Starting at $375
Advisory
Two-Call Advisory Package
Starting at $700
Advisory
Custom Advisory Support
Scope-based pricing

Advisory help is intended as limited guidance only and is not positioned as full implementation or done-for-you support.

yolanda@washingtonprocessgroup.com

Ready to Build Your Level 1 or Level 2 CMMC Readiness Program Internally?

Get the kit and start organizing your Level 1 or Level 2 readiness work with the templates, trackers, and structure your team needs to move forward internally.

Get the Readiness Kit Book a Paid Advisory Call

CMMC Level 1 & Level 2 — Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about the CMMC Level 1 & Level 2 Readiness Kit, how the program works, and what to expect.

The kit is designed for organizations that need to meet CMMC requirements and want to build or formalize their compliance program internally. It is most useful for organizations preparing for Level 1 or Level 2 requirements, small businesses that handle FCI or CUI, and teams that need a structured starting point — including a gap assessment tool, SSP template, and POAM framework — without starting from a blank page or hiring a consultant to do it for them.
No. This kit is designed for Level 1 and Level 2 readiness only. It is not intended for Level 3 requirements. Level 3 is based on a subset of NIST SP 800-172 practices above the Level 2 baseline and involves a government-led assessment by DCMA DIBCAC. If your organization is subject to Level 3 requirements, you will need resources specifically designed for that scope.
The kit includes a gap assessment tool mapped to all 110 NIST SP 800-171 practices, a CMMC readiness checklist for Level 1 and Level 2, a System Security Plan (SSP) template structured for assessor review, a Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) template, core cybersecurity policy and procedure templates ready for customization, a phase-by-phase implementation roadmap, evidence organization guidance for assessment preparation, and 30 days of email support.
No. The kit provides templates and structured guidance — your team writes and customizes the content. The SSP template gives you the framework and section structure; your team fills it in to accurately describe how each NIST SP 800-171 practice is implemented in your specific environment. The policy templates are ready for customization, not meant to be used as-is without review and adaptation to your organization. This is a self-directed resource, not a document writing service.
Yes. The kit is designed for self-paced use. Your team works through the gap assessment, SSP, policies, and POAM on your own schedule. There are no required sessions, no project timeline imposed externally, and no dependencies on scheduling with a consultant. If you want structured advisory input alongside the kit, that is available as a separate add-on.
No. The kit provides the tools and documentation structure to support your readiness effort. Certification outcomes depend on whether your organization correctly implements and maintains the required practices, and for Level 2, on the results of an assessment conducted by an authorized C3PAO. No consulting resource or documentation toolkit can guarantee a certification outcome.
Implementation timelines vary significantly based on your current cybersecurity posture, organization size, and the CMMC level required. Organizations with existing NIST SP 800-171 documentation and controls in place may be able to prepare for an assessment in a few months. Organizations starting from scratch may need six months to a year or more. Starting early with a structured kit gives your team the time to work through each phase without contract pressure forcing the timeline.
Yes, as an optional add-on. Advisory call options start at $250 for a 60-minute session and $375 for 90 minutes. A two-call advisory package is available starting at $700. Custom advisory support is also available at scope-based pricing for organizations that want more structured input across multiple phases. Advisory help is limited guidance only — your team still owns and drives the work.
Yes. CMMC requirements flow down through the defense supply chain. If you are a subcontractor to a prime that handles FCI or CUI in performance of a DoD contract, you are likely in scope for the applicable CMMC level. Small businesses are not exempt. If your systems receive or process government information, you need to understand your CMMC scope and requirements — and the kit is designed to be practical for small teams working independently.
If you already have documentation in place, the best starting point is the gap assessment tool — run it against all 110 NIST SP 800-171 practices to confirm where you actually stand before assuming readiness. From there, use the SSP template and evidence organization guidance to ensure your documentation meets assessor expectations. Having the practices implemented is necessary — but assessors also review whether each practice is accurately described in your SSP and supported by appropriate evidence. The kit helps your team validate both.