CMMC Level 2 Compliance for DoD & DOE Contractors in East Tennessee
Get compliant. Win contracts. Protect your business.
Solomon IT helps East Tennessee contractors achieve CMMC Level 2 readiness with a clear roadmap, practical support, and local expertise — so you can bid on DoD and DoE work with confidence.
What is CMMC?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is the Department of Defense’s official framework for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
For most contractors handling CUI, Level 2 is required. This means implementing all 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls and undergoing a third-party assessment (C3PAO) in many cases.
CMMC 2.0 is now rolling out in phases, and both DoD and DoE contracts are increasingly requiring compliance. If you want to win or keep these contracts in 2026 and beyond, CMMC readiness is no longer optional — it’s essential.
Why CMMC Compliance Matters Now
If your business works with (or wants to work with) the Department of Defense or Department of Energy, CMMC directly impacts your ability to win contracts.
Key reasons to act now:
Many new solicitations already include CMMC requirements
Non-compliance means you cannot bid on covered contracts
DoE is tightening requirements alongside DoD
Early movers gain a competitive advantage
Waiting until a contract requires it often leads to rushed, expensive, and stressful compliance projects.
Many contractors attempt CMMC compliance internally and quickly discover it’s far more difficult than expected.
The Real Cost of Going It Alone (The DIY Trap)
Common challenges include:
Interpreting 110 complex controls across 14 domains
Creating audit-ready documentation (SSP, POA&M, policies, risk assessments)
Implementing the right technical controls (EDR, logging, access management, etc.)
Managing the process while running daily operations
Most businesses discover that DIY CMMC compliance takes 6–12 months and can easily cost $50,000–$120,000+ when you factor in lost time, rework, and missed deadlines.
How Solomon IT Simplifies Your CMMC Journey
As a Cyber AB Registered Provider Organization (RPO), Solomon IT provides end-to-end support tailored for East Tennessee contractors.
Gap Assessments – Identify exactly where you stand today
GCC & GCC High Guidance – Proper Microsoft 365 Government cloud configuration
Documentation & Policy Templates – Audit-ready SSP, POA&M, and policies
Endpoint & Network Security – EDR, firewalls, DNS protection, and secure backup
Employee Security Training – Practical training that actually sticks
Vulnerability Management & Pen Testing – Ongoing scanning and testing
24/7 Security Monitoring & Incident Response
Compliance Manager (GRC) Support – Ongoing governance and evidence collection
We don’t just hand you a checklist — we work alongside your team to get you certified.
Realistic Timeline & Investment
Here’s what most contractors can expect when working with Solomon IT:
Typical Timeline
Initial Gap Assessment: 2–4 weeks
Remediation Phase: 3–6 months
Readiness Review + C3PAO Assessment: 2–3 months
Total: Approximately 6–12 months
Investment Ranges (Small to Mid-Size Contractors)
Gap Assessment & Plan of Action: $5,000 – $15,000
Remediation Tools & Services: $15,000 – $75,000+
C3PAO Certification Assessment: $10,000 – $30,000
Solomon IT offers transparent, bundled packages designed to reduce your overall cost and stress.
Why Partner with Solomon IT?
Local Expertise — Based in Oak Ridge, serving Knoxville and all of East Tennessee
Proven Credentials — Cyber AB Registered Provider Organization (RPO)
Practical Approach — We focus on real-world implementation, not just theory
Transparent Pricing — Clear costs with no hidden surprises
“If you don’t begin doing this now, you should plan to change your business model, because you won’t be doing business with the U.S. Government.”
— Sean Pennington, CEO, Solomon IT
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does CMMC Level 2 compliance usually take? Most organizations complete the full process in 6–12 months, depending on their current security posture and available resources.
What is the biggest challenge most contractors face? Documentation and interpreting the 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls correctly. This is where having an experienced partner saves the most time and money.
Do I need a C3PAO assessment? It depends on the specific contract. Many DoD solicitations now require a third-party C3PAO assessment for Level 2. We help you prepare so you’re ready either way.
Can Solomon IT actually get me certified? We are a Cyber AB Registered Provider Organization (RPO). We prepare you thoroughly for the official C3PAO assessment and support you through the entire process.
How much does CMMC compliance typically cost? For most small to mid-sized contractors, total investment ranges from $30,000 to $120,000+, depending on current systems and scope. We provide transparent bundled pricing.
Is CMMC only for large defense contractors? No. Even small subcontractors handling CUI must comply if the prime contract requires it. Many small businesses in East Tennessee are now affected.
What happens if I’m not compliant when a contract requires it? You simply won’t be eligible to bid. Many contractors are already losing opportunities because they waited too long.
Do you work with companies outside of Tennessee? Yes. While we’re based in Oak Ridge and serve East Tennessee locally, we support contractors across the Southeast and nationwide.
Ready to Get CMMC Compliant?
Stop guessing. Start with a clear plan.
Let Solomon IT help you achieve CMMC Level 2 readiness with less stress, lower cost, and a proven process tailored for East Tennessee contractors.
Call us today: (865) 309-4343 or Book a Quick 5-Minute Introduction
We’ll review your current situation and give you an honest assessment of what it will take to get compliant.