🎯 Compliance Doesn’t Have to Be a Cost Trap
For businesses working with Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), CMMC compliance isn’t optional — it’s required to stay competitive in the DoD supply chain.
But once you realize you need to comply, the next question is:
How much will it actually cost — and how do you budget responsibly?
At FirstCall Consulting, we’ve guided defense contractors across CMMC Levels 1 to 3. In this guide (and accompanying podcast), we’ll break down the real cost of CMMC certification and how to avoid budget pitfalls that derail progress.
💰 Why CMMC Costs Catch Companies Off Guard
Unlike buying a SaaS product, CMMC certification is more like a construction project:
If you’re unclear on scope, dependencies, and goals — costs can spiral quickly.
Here’s where the biggest expenses typically come from:
📋 1. Readiness Assessment & Gap Analysis
Before spending on tools or consultants, start with a CMMC readiness assessment.
It benchmarks your environment, maps to NIST 800-171, and builds your remediation roadmap.
Typical cost: $5,000 – $20,000
Why it matters: Avoid overinvesting in tools you don’t need.
🛠️ 2. Technical Remediation & Upgrades
Most companies need to address critical controls like:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Endpoint protection & SIEM
- Network segmentation
- Migration to GCC High or secure enclaves
Cost range: $10,000 – $100,000+
Variables: Org size, cloud vs. on-prem, IT maturity
📑 3. Policy & Documentation Development
Auditors expect more than good tech. You’ll need:
- System Security Plan (SSP)
- Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
- Written policies (IR, access, audits, etc.)
Cost range: $3,000 – $15,000
Pro tip: Use vetted templates + expert guidance to cut costs.
👥 4. vCISO Support & Compliance Oversight
Whether part-time or in-house, someone needs to own the CMMC roadmap.
Cost range: $2,000 – $10,000/month
Best for: Companies that need audit readiness but can’t hire full-time
🧾 5. Third-Party Certification (C3PAO)
If you’re pursuing Level 2+, you’ll need a Certified Third-Party Assessor (C3PAO).
Cost range: $15,000 – $50,000
Warning: Don’t schedule your audit until you’re at least 90% compliant.
✅ Smart Budgeting Tips
- Use phased implementation to manage risk and urgency
- Map scope early — exclude what doesn’t store FCI/CUI
- Plan for annual renewals (MDR, tools, licenses)
- Skip DIY policies — use expert resources to move faster
🔐 Final Thoughts: Budget Right, Build Fast
CMMC isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a business enabler.
Smart budgeting helps you:
- Win contracts
- Reduce risk
- Build trust with federal partners
At FirstCall Consulting, we help DIB companies scope, plan, and implement CMMC without overspending or losing momentum.
📌 What to Do Next
🎯 Need help budgeting for your CMMC roadmap?
Book a 30-minute strategy call →
📋 Prefer to self-assess your CMMC readiness?
Download our CMMC Readiness Checklist →
🎧 Listen now: CMMC Cost & Strategy — Avoiding Budget Pitfalls
Available on Spotify
