Written By Paige Langmead
As a compliance analyst, one of the most important parts of my work is conducting a CMMC compliance gap assessment. This assessment helps clients understand their current security state and identifies what they must do to meet Department of Defense (DoD) requirements. By pinpointing gaps and providing clear next steps, I help organizations create a practical plan to reach compliance.
The Assessment Framework
Each CMMC compliance gap assessment follows a consistent process that aligns with CMMC Level 2 requirements. The process is thorough but simple, covering all aspects of cybersecurity compliance.
Key steps include:
- Control Reference Mapping: I start by linking each control to the CMMC Level 2 framework, which has 110 security controls mapped to NIST SP 800-171. I break these into 320 objectives for precise assessment.
- Findings: I describe what I observe for each control. I note whether it is fully implemented, partially implemented, or missing entirely.
- Targeted Recommendations: I provide clear, actionable advice for every gap. Recommendations may include technical steps, like enabling multi-factor authentication; procedural steps, such as documenting policies; or administrative steps, like assigning security roles.
- Status Classification: I label every control as “Met” or “Not Met,” giving clients an immediate overview of their compliance level.
This structured approach ensures clients understand what gaps exist, why they matter, and how to fix them.
Strategic Reporting for Executives
I prepare reports for both technical teams and executives. The reports begin with an Executive Summary that highlights:
- Key gaps and risks
- Common trends across controls, such as missing documentation or lack of audit logging
- Readiness in domains like Access Control, Incident Response, and System Integrity
This way, executives immediately see how far their organization is from compliance and what steps they need to take.
Beyond the Checklist
While the assessment process is methodical, I also focus on real-world practices. I meet with IT staff, system administrators, and business owners to observe how controls operate in practice. I review policies, check configurations, and confirm that security measures are actually enforced.
Sometimes, organizations have technical controls in place but lack formal documentation or proof of consistent implementation. In these cases, I guide them to formalize their practices, turning everyday security actions into audit-ready procedures.
Enabling Compliance—and Confidence
What I enjoy most is helping organizations gain clarity and momentum. CMMC compliance can feel overwhelming, especially for smaller contractors. However, a focused CMMC compliance gap assessment turns uncertainty into action.
After an assessment, clients gain:
- A clear understanding of their current state
- Prioritized next steps
- Confidence that achieving compliance is within reach
This repeatable, practical process prepares organizations for certification and also strengthens their overall cybersecurity in lasting ways.