Key Takeaways
- The DIBCAC Standard: To achieve authorization, Auditwerx underwent a rigorous review by the Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC), proving that our own internal security environment meets the 110 controls of CMMC Level 2.
- Authorization vs. Candidacy: While many firms remain in the candidate phase, our authorization means we are now fully empowered by The Cyber AB to conduct and sign off on formal Level 2 certification assessments.
- Phase 2 Readiness: With Phase 2 set to begin on November 10, 2026, our transition to Authorized C3PAO status provides our clients with a direct, verified path to maintaining contract eligibility.
As defense contractors scramble to secure assessment slots before the Phase 2 rollout on November 10, 2026, Auditwerx has reached the finish line of our own accreditation journey.
Following our successful DIBCAC assessment, we are pleased to announce that Auditwerx is officially an Authorized C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization).
This authorization isn’t just a new credential; it is a verification that our own internal security environment meets the 110 controls of CMMC Level 2, ensuring your sensitive data is protected by a firm that has truly “walked the walk.”
What C3PAO Status Means for Our Clients
Achieving Authorized C3PAO status is not a simple administrative hurdle. It requires a firm to “practice what they preach.” By passing our DIBCAC assessment, we have demonstrated to the DoD that our methodology, our people, and our own data protections are of the highest caliber.
For our clients, this means that when you engage with Auditwerx, you are working with a team that has sat in your seat. We understand the technical nuances of NIST SP 800-171 because we have lived through the same high-fidelity scrutiny that you will face during your certification.
Speak to a Compliance Specialist.
The Authority of the Lead CMMC Certified Assessor (Lead CCA)
Central to our success, and yours, is our specialized team. With a Lead CMMC Certified Assessor (Lead CCA) on staff, Auditwerx provides a level of technical leadership that is required for official certification.
The Lead CCA is the top-tier designation in the assessor pathway, holding the final determination authority for Level 2 assessments. Our Lead CCA ensures that every CMMC readiness and gap assessment we perform is conducted with the precision and evidence-based rigor of a formal review. As an Authorized C3PAO, we can now move our clients seamlessly from the preparation phase into the formal assessment phase, providing a streamlined, boutique experience.
Your Path to Certification Starts Here
The transition to Authorized C3PAO status is more than just a new badge—it is a promise to our clients. We are here to provide the specialized, technically sound guidance you need to thrive in the new defense marketplace.
Are you ready to move from self-attestation to a verified state of readiness? Contact the newly authorized team at Auditwerx today to schedule a CMMC readiness assessment and secure your future in the defense supply chain.
FAQs
What is the difference between a Candidate C3PAO and an Authorized C3PAO?
A candidate is a firm in the application queue. An Authorized C3PAO has successfully passed a DIBCAC assessment and is officially listed on The Cyber AB Marketplace as a firm capable of conducting and issuing final determinations for CMMC Level 2 certifications.
Does this mean Auditwerx can now issue CMMC certificates?
Yes. As a C3PAO, we are authorized to conduct Level 2 assessments and submit the results into eMASS. Once reviewed by the DoD and The Cyber AB, your organization can be awarded its formal CMMC status.
Why is the Lead CCA title so important?
The Lead CMMC Certified Assessor (Lead CCA) is the specific individual authorized to lead an assessment team and make the final call on whether a control is met. Having a Lead CCA on our staff means we have the internal authority to guide you through the most complex scoping and evidence questions.
How does Auditwerx help us improve our SPRS score before we bid?
Auditwerx provides CMMC readiness and gap assessments designed to identify specific deficiencies in your current security posture. By identifying these gaps, we provide your team with the technical roadmap necessary to perform remediation before your formal assessment date.
Can Auditwerx perform both our readiness assessment and our formal certification assessment?
No. To maintain the strict independence required by The Cyber AB, an organization cannot perform both the consulting/readiness work and the final certification for the same client. Think of it as a “Separation of Duties”: You hire one firm to help you build and refine your security environment (the readiness phase), and a separate Authorized C3PAO to perform the final, impartial “grading” of that work. Auditwerx provides CMMC readiness and gap assessments for organizations that plan to use a different C3PAO for their final review.
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