CMMC Readiness Checklist for NIST 800-171 Compliance

This document is a guide that outlines the necessary steps for achieving readiness for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2, specifically in relation to the NIST 800-171 standards. It begins by addressing the importance of clearly defining and documenting the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) environment and system boundaries. The guide emphasizes the need for governance and ownership, ensuring that internal control owners are assigned responsibilities for control implementation and audit coordination. It also highlights the necessity of maintaining current documentation, including a System Security Plan (SSP) and a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M). Furthermore, the document discusses the importance of having objective evidence for each implemented NIST 800-171 control and the need for readiness planning with a qualified CMMC advisor. Lastly, it stresses that compliance should be viewed as a continuous program rather than a one-time effort, ensuring sustainability and ongoing adherence to the standards.