CMMC Readiness Cost: What Defense Contractors Should Expect in 2025

Source: Dev.to

Introduction

As the Department of Defense (DoD) prepares to enforce CMMC 2.0 across defense contracts, organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must be ready for stricter cybersecurity requirements. One of the biggest questions small‑ and mid‑sized contractors ask is:

“How much does CMMC readiness cost?”

The answer varies depending on your current cybersecurity maturity, infrastructure, and the scope of the CUI environment. Consistent patterns have emerged across the defense industrial base. This article breaks down typical cost ranges, what drives them, and how to budget effectively for CMMC Level 2 readiness in 2025.

What Is CMMC Readiness?

CMMC readiness is the process of preparing your organization to pass a CMMC Level 2 self‑assessment or third‑party assessment. It includes:

• Conducting a NIST 800‑171 gap analysis
• Creating or updating the System Security Plan (SSP)
• Developing a Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)
• Implementing missing technical controls
• Deploying required cybersecurity tools
• Updating policies & procedures
• Training staff
• Preparing for the formal assessment

Readiness typically spans several months and is often the most intensive part of the compliance journey.

CMMC Readiness Cost Breakdown

Gap Assessment & Consulting

The starting point for most organizations. A consultant or C3PAO evaluates your current posture against the 110 NIST 800‑171 controls.

Documentation & Policy Development

CMMC requires extensive documentation, including SSP, POA&M, Incident Response Plan, Access Control Policy, Configuration Management, and Audit & Accountability procedures.

• Typical Cost Range: $5,000 – $25,000 (depends on complexity and outsourcing)

Cybersecurity Tooling & Technology Setup

Most companies need a combination of:

• EDR/antivirus
• SIEM/security logging
• Vulnerability scanning
• MFA & identity tools
• Backups
• Email security
• Device encryption

One‑Time Setup Cost: $5,000 – $50,000+ (depends on tools and number of users)
Ongoing monthly cost: $1,000 – $10,000.

Remediation Work

After the gap assessment, companies usually must:

• Fix configuration weaknesses
• Implement MFA or access controls
• Segment networks
• Deploy logging and monitoring
• Harden servers/endpoints
• Replace outdated equipment
• Create a CUI enclave (optional but common)

Typical Cost Range:

Readiness Coaching & Pre‑Assessments

Includes consultant support, mock audits, evidence preparation, and assessor‑ready documentation.

• Typical Cost Range: $3,000 – $20,000

Total Estimated CMMC Readiness Cost

These figures cover analysis, tooling, remediation, and documentation.

Why CMMC Readiness Costs Vary

• Size of your CUI environment – More endpoints mean higher cost.
• Existing cybersecurity maturity – Organizations already aligned with NIST 800‑171 need less investment.
• In‑house vs. outsourced model – Outsourced MSP/MSSP services increase cost but reduce staffing burden.
• Technology stack – Existing MFA, EDR, logging reduce the need for new purchases.
• Infrastructure age & complexity – Older or hybrid networks require more remediation effort.

How to Reduce CMMC Readiness Cost

• Minimize your CUI scope – A smaller CUI enclave means fewer systems to secure.
• Reuse existing tools where possible – Avoid buying new products unless required.
• Use automated documentation platforms – Reduce hours spent on SSP, POA&M, and policies.
• Phase implementation over time – Spread costs across months instead of a single upfront investment.
• Choose bundled security platforms – Solutions that combine EDR, SIEM, and vulnerability scanning are more cost‑efficient.

Final Thoughts

CMMC readiness is one of the most important investments defense contractors will make in 2025. Although the cost typically ranges from $20,000 to $200,000+, the investment ensures your business stays eligible for DoD contracts and significantly improves your cybersecurity posture.