Updated May 2026
CMMC Gap Assessment Cost: $3.5K - $60K
Phase 1 of the six-phase CMMC certification path. The gap assessment establishes the baseline that determines remediation scope, budget, and timeline. Skipping it almost always costs more downstream.
Gap assessment cost by company size
| Company size | RPO / consultant fee | Internal hours absorbed | Loaded total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 50 employees | $3,500 - $10,000 | 40 - 80 | $8K - $18K |
| 50 - 200 employees | $10,000 - $25,000 | 80 - 200 | $18K - $45K |
| 200 - 500 employees | $25,000 - $45,000 | 150 - 300 | $40K - $75K |
| 500+ employees | $35,000 - $60,000+ | 250 - 500+ | $60K - $115K+ |
Loaded total cost uses BLS OEWS occupation 15-1212 (Information Security Analysts) wage anchors plus a 1.3x burden multiplier for internal labour. See methodology.
What the assessment covers
Current-state control documentation
Each of the 110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3 requirements is scored against current implementation: implemented, partially implemented, not implemented, not applicable.
CUI flow mapping
Tracing how CUI enters, transits, and exits the contractor environment. Identifies which systems, networks, and personnel are in scope.
Basic SPRS score calculation
Applies the DoD Assessment Methodology weight (high -5, medium -3, low -1) to unimplemented controls and produces the score that flows to SPRS under DFARS 252.204-7019.
Asset inventory verification
Confirming every system, endpoint, and SaaS environment with CUI exposure is enumerated. Missing assets are a recurring C3PAO finding.
Existing SSP review
If a System Security Plan already exists, the gap assessment evaluates whether it accurately reflects current controls and whether it would survive C3PAO scrutiny.
Remediation plan and budget
Final output: prioritised list of gaps, cost estimates per gap, recommended sequencing, and timeline to C3PAO readiness.
RPO vs independent consultant vs self-assessment
Registered Practitioner Organisation (RPO)
Cyber AB listed. Familiar with C3PAO assessment patterns. Note: an RPO that performs remediation cannot also be the assessor; verify the C3PAO of choice is independent of the RPO.
Independent cybersecurity consultancy
Cyber AB listing not required for gap assessment work (only for C3PAO certification). Confirm the consultancy has CMMC-specific experience and current NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3 familiarity.
Internal self-assessment
Free of external fees. Absorbs 80-300 internal hours. Works for Level 1 (FAR 52.204-21 17 practices) and for an early Level 2 pre-screen. Less defensible as the sole input to a C3PAO engagement.