Day 54: What Is a C3PAO—and Why You’ll Need One

If you’re aiming for CMMC Level 2 or higher, you’ll need more than internal prep—you’ll need a C3PAO. 
With 54 days left until the deadline, it’s time to understand what a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) is and how they fit into your compliance journey. 

What Is a C3PAO? 

A C3PAO is an independent, certified organization authorized by the Cyber AB to conduct official CMMC assessments for: 

• Level 2 (Advanced) 

• Level 3 (Expert) 

They evaluate whether your organization meets all required practices and controls and submit results to the DoD via SPRS. 

Why It Matters 

• ✅ You cannot self-certify for Level 2 or 3 

• ✅ Only C3PAOs listed on the Cyber AB Marketplace are authorized 

• ✅ A failed assessment can delay or disqualify contract eligibility 

How Valeo Networks Helps 

We prepare you for C3PAO success with: 

• Pre-assessment readiness reviews 

• Documentation alignment with NIST SP 800-171 

• Control implementation support 

• Mock assessments and remediation guidance 

Don’t walk into a C3PAO review unprepared. 
Schedule your assessment prep today 
📧 Contact: Jim Gast – jim@valeonetworks.com