CMMC for MSPs and MSSPs: Turning Compliance Into a Service Offering

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is more than a regulatory hurdle, it’s a business opportunity for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). With thousands of Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractors required to achieve and maintain compliance, the demand for expert guidance and operational support has never been higher.

For MSPs and MSSPs, this represents a chance to move beyond traditional IT services and package compliance as a core offering.

Why CMMC Is a Game-Changer for Service Providers

The DIB is filled with small and mid-sized businesses that lack in-house security expertise. They know CMMC is mandatory, but they’re unsure how to get there. That’s where MSPs and MSSPs come in:

• MSPs can bundle CMMC-focused IT services (patching, access control, backup, monitoring) into compliance-ready packages.

• MSSPs can provide advanced capabilities (threat detection, incident response, SIEM, SOC services) that small businesses can’t afford to build themselves.

By aligning your service catalog with CMMC practices, you’re not just solving IT problems you’re solving compliance problems.

Turning CMMC Into a Service Offering

1. Gap Assessments and Readiness Reviews

   • Help clients identify where they fall short on Level 1 or Level 2 requirements.

   • Package this as an initial service engagement that naturally leads to remediation.

2. Managed Compliance Services

   • Offer ongoing monitoring, logging, and reporting mapped directly to CMMC controls.

   • Provide clients with evidence packages they can hand to a C3PAO during an audit.

3. Incident Response as a Service

   • Since DFARS requires reporting within 72 hours, build IR planning and execution into your service contracts.

   • Give clients confidence they won’t miss critical deadlines.

4. Policy and Training Support

   • Partner with compliance consultants or use ready-made toolkits to deliver required documentation and employee training.

   • Position this as a “compliance concierge” service.

5. GRC Platform Integration

   • Manage client compliance through a GRC solution like CyberComply, enabling both you and your clients to track controls, evidence, and reporting in real-time.

   • This creates stickiness once clients rely on you for compliance tracking, they’re unlikely to switch providers.

The Business Benefits for MSPs and MSSPs

• Recurring Revenue Streams: Compliance requires continuous monitoring and reporting, creating long-term contracts.

• Differentiation: Few service providers have pivoted fully into CMMC getting ahead positions you as a leader.

• Stronger Client Relationships: Moving from IT vendor to compliance partner increases trust and retention.

• Upsell Potential: From CMMC-focused services, you can expand into broader cybersecurity, cloud, and digital transformation projects.

Challenges to Watch Out For

• Shared Responsibility Confusion: Be clear about what you do vs. what the client must do.

• Certification Boundaries: MSPs/MSSPs don’t get certified themselves, but their services must align with helping clients meet requirements.

• Keeping Pace With Rule Changes: CMMC is still evolving dedicate resources to track updates.

Final Thoughts

CMMC isn’t going away, it’s becoming the cost of entry for doing business with the DoD. MSPs and MSSPs that turn compliance into a service offering will not only grow revenue but also cement themselves as essential partners in the defense supply chain.

Those who wait risk losing clients to competitors who understand that compliance is the new frontier of managed services.