--- title: "Public Sector Advisory: CMMC, FedRAMP, FISMA | Velero" description: CMMC, FedRAMP, FISMA and NIST readiness for organizations that serve federal, state and local government, with independent assessors alongside. --- [Skip to Content](https://velero.consulting/services/public-sector-advisory#body) [![Velero Consulting](https://velero.consulting/hs-fs/hubfs/Velero_TransparentBackground-01.png?width=196&height=63&name=Velero_TransparentBackground-01.png)](https://velero.consulting/?hsLang=en) - [About](https://velero.consulting/about) - [Services](https://velero.consulting/services) - Assessments - [Compliance Advisory & Assessments](https://velero.consulting/services/compliance-advisory) - [Due Diligence & Risk Management](https://velero.consulting/services/due-diligence-risk-management) - [Offensive Security & Penetration Testing](https://velero.consulting/services/penetration-testing) - [Cloud Advisory & Engineering](https://velero.consulting/services/cloud-advisory) - [Code Reviews & Secure Software Development](https://velero.consulting/services/secure-software-development) - Advisory - [Privacy Consulting](https://velero.consulting/services/privacy-consulting) - [Public Sector Advisory](https://velero.consulting/services/public-sector-advisory) - [Virtual CISO/CTO/CIO](https://velero.consulting/services/virtual-ciso) - [AI Security & Scalability Consulting](https://velero.consulting/services/ai-security) - [Insights](https://velero.consulting/blog) - [Careers](https://velerocareers.com) - [Let's Talk](https://velero.consulting/contact) - [About](https://velero.consulting/about) - [Services](https://velero.consulting/services) - Assessments - [Compliance Advisory & Assessments](https://velero.consulting/services/compliance-advisory) - [Due Diligence & Risk Management](https://velero.consulting/services/due-diligence-risk-management) - [Offensive Security & Penetration Testing](https://velero.consulting/services/penetration-testing) - [Cloud Advisory & Engineering](https://velero.consulting/services/cloud-advisory) - [Code Reviews & Secure Software Development](https://velero.consulting/services/secure-software-development) - Advisory - [Privacy Consulting](https://velero.consulting/services/privacy-consulting) - [Public Sector Advisory](https://velero.consulting/services/public-sector-advisory) - [Virtual CISO/CTO/CIO](https://velero.consulting/services/virtual-ciso) - [AI Security & Scalability Consulting](https://velero.consulting/services/ai-security) - [Insights](https://velero.consulting/blog) - [Careers](https://velerocareers.com) - [Let's Talk](https://velero.consulting/contact) - [Schedule a Call](https://velero.consulting/meetings/kenpomella/meet-with-velero) - [Schedule a Call](https://velero.consulting/meetings/kenpomella/meet-with-velero) # Public Sector Advisory We prepare organizations for CMMC, FedRAMP, FISMA and NIST requirements, then work alongside the independent assessors who make the final determination. [Get Started](https://velero.consulting/services/public-sector-advisory#contact) ## Who this is for Public sector work carries compliance obligations that arrive through contracts, not through choice. This service fits you if one of these describes your position. - You are a defense contractor or subcontractor that handles Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and need to meet the CMMC level your contracts specify. - You are a cloud or software provider that wants to sell to federal agencies and must pursue a FedRAMP authorization. - You operate or support a federal information system and need it assessed and documented under FISMA and the NIST Risk Management Framework. - You are a state, local or education organization that has adopted NIST SP 800-53 or SP 800-171 as a condition of funding or a contract. - A prime contractor has sent you a flow-down clause or a security questionnaire, and you do not yet know your current score. ## What's included We scope each engagement to the authority you answer to. These are the workstreams we draw on. - ### Scoping and boundary definition We identify where FCI, CUI or federal data lives, then define the assessment boundary so you do not over-scope or leave systems out. - ### Gap assessment We test your environment against the applicable requirements and score it, including the SPRS score method for NIST SP 800-171. - ### System Security Plan development We write or rework the System Security Plan so it describes how each control is implemented in your environment. - ### POA&M development We document every gap in a Plan of Action and Milestones with owners, remediation steps and target dates. - ### Remediation support We help your engineers and IT staff implement the technical, procedural and policy fixes that close the gaps. - ### Mock assessment We run a rehearsal in the format an independent assessor uses, so evidence problems surface before the real one. - ### Assessor coordination We work alongside your C3PAO, 3PAO or authorizing agency, and help you assemble the evidence they request. - ### Continuous monitoring planning We design the recurring reviews, scans and reporting that keep your status current after the first result. ## How an engagement works Timelines depend on boundary size and on how many controls already work. These are typical durations. 1. ### Scope and boundary We confirm which contracts, data types and systems fall under which requirements, and agree the assessment boundary in writing. 1 to 2 weeks 2. ### Gap assessment We review documentation, interview system owners, inspect configurations and score each requirement and assessment objective. 3 to 5 weeks 3. ### Documentation and planning We produce the System Security Plan and POA&M, and prioritize remediation by risk and by effect on your score. 3 to 6 weeks 4. ### Remediation and evidence Your team implements fixes with our guidance while we collect and organize evidence against each requirement. 8 to 20 weeks, depending on the gaps 5. ### Mock and formal assessment We run a mock assessment, correct what it finds, and support you through the independent assessment itself. 3 to 6 weeks ## What you receive - A scoped boundary description with a data flow diagram and asset inventory. - A gap assessment report that scores every requirement and objective, with plain-English findings. - A System Security Plan written to your environment, ready for assessor review. - A POA&M that lists each gap, its owner, its remediation steps and its target date. - An evidence index that maps each artifact to the requirement it supports. - A mock assessment report with corrective actions, and a readiness summary for your leadership. ## Frameworks and standards Velero prepares you for these regimes. It does not issue results. Independent assessors and authorizing bodies do. - #### CMMC Level 1 covers 15 requirements from FAR 52.204-21 and requires an annual self-assessment. Level 2 covers 110 requirements from NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2, measured through 320 assessment objectives from SP 800-171A, and requires either a self-assessment or a C3PAO certification assessment every 3 years, depending on the contract. Level 3 adds 24 requirements from NIST SP 800-172 and is assessed by DIBCAC. Scores are reported in SPRS. - #### FedRAMP A cloud service receives an authorization, either an agency ATO or through the FedRAMP 20x program path, after assessment by a Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO). - #### FISMA and the NIST RMF Federal systems are assessed against NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 under the Risk Management Framework in NIST SP 800-37. - #### NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 and SP 800-172 The control catalog behind CMMC Level 2 and Level 3. ## Why Velero - ### Readiness first, independent result second We prepare you, and a separate assessor decides. That separation protects the credibility of the result you present to a contracting officer. - ### Senior-led delivery Experienced practitioners scope the work, run the assessment and review every deliverable, so the reasoning behind each finding is traceable. - ### Plain-English reporting with remediation support We write findings your engineers can act on and your executives can read, then help you close them. ## *Partner perspective*A word from A-LIGN Petar Besalev, EVP of Cybersecurity and Compliance at A-LIGN, discusses how Velero supports FedRAMP and CMMC readiness. A-LIGN is an independent audit firm and a Velero partner. ## *CMMC*Getting ready for CMMC? Defense contractors and subcontractors that handle FCI or CUI need the CMMC level their contracts specify. Our readiness assessment shows where you stand and the fastest way to start. [Check your CMMC readiness](https://velero.consulting/cmmc-readiness-assessment?hsLang=en) ## *FAQ*Common questions Does Velero issue CMMC certifications or FedRAMP authorizations? No. A CMMC Level 2 certification comes from a C3PAO, and a Level 3 assessment comes from DIBCAC. A FedRAMP authorization comes from an agency or the FedRAMP program, after a 3PAO assessment. We prepare you for those assessments and work alongside the assessors. When does CMMC Level 2 certification become a contract requirement? The program rule, 32 CFR Part 170, took effect December 16, 2024. The DFARS acquisition rule (48 CFR) began a phased rollout on November 10, 2025. Phase 2, which brings Level 2 C3PAO certification into applicable contracts, begins November 10, 2026. What score do I need for a conditional Level 2 status? A Level 2 conditional status requires a score of at least 88 out of 110. Every open item must sit on a POA&M that you close within 180 days. Some requirements cannot be deferred to a POA&M, so a gap assessment should check which ones apply to you. We are a subcontractor. Do CMMC requirements apply to us? Yes, if you handle FCI or CUI. CMMC requirements flow down from prime contractors to subcontractors, and the level depends on the type of information involved. Your prime or contracting officer can confirm the level your contract specifies. How long does it take to prepare for an assessment? Preparation depends on the size of your boundary and how many gaps the first assessment finds. Readiness engagements typically run 4 to 8 months from scoping through a mock assessment. Organizations with mature controls finish sooner. ## *Related services*Explore related services - ### [Compliance Advisory & Assessments Gap assessments and audit readiness for HIPAA, FISMA, NIST, SOX, SOC 2, ISO/IEC 27001, PCI DSS and HITRUST, with remediation support through to independent audit. Learn more →](https://velero.consulting/services/compliance-advisory?hsLang=en) - ### [Cloud Advisory & Engineering Migration planning, cloud security reviews, performance engineering and cost optimization, tied to the compliance frameworks your environment must satisfy. Learn more →](https://velero.consulting/services/cloud-advisory?hsLang=en) - ### [Due Diligence & Risk Management Cyber and compliance due diligence for acquisitions and investments, enterprise risk assessments, and third-party vendor risk programs, with findings your deal team can price and act on. Learn more →](https://velero.consulting/services/due-diligence-risk-management?hsLang=en) ## *Let's talk*Ready to secure your business? Tell us what you're working toward and we'll get back to you within one business day. - **Call** [813-279-1796](tel:+18132791796) - **Email** [info@velero.consulting](mailto:info@velero.consulting) [Schedule a call](https://velero.consulting/meetings/kenpomella/meet-with-velero?hsLang=en) [![Velero Consulting](https://velero.consulting/hs-fs/hubfs/Velero_TransparentBackground-01.png?width=400&height=128&name=Velero_TransparentBackground-01.png)](https://velero.consulting/?hsLang=en) 601 S Harbour Island Blvd Suite 109, Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: [813-279-1796](tel:+18132791796) Email: [info@velero.consulting](mailto:info@velero.consulting) ASSESSMENTS - - [Compliance Advisory & Assessments](https://velero.consulting/services/compliance-advisory) - [Due Diligence & Risk Management](https://velero.consulting/services/due-diligence-risk-management) - [Offensive Security & Penetration Testing](https://velero.consulting/services/penetration-testing) - [Cloud Advisory & Engineering](https://velero.consulting/services/cloud-advisory) - [Code Reviews & Secure Software Development](https://velero.consulting/services/secure-software-development) ADVISORY - - [Privacy Consulting](https://velero.consulting/services/privacy-consulting) - [Public Sector Advisory](https://velero.consulting/services/public-sector-advisory) - [Virtual CISO/CTO/CIO](https://velero.consulting/services/virtual-ciso) - [AI Security & Scalability Consulting](https://velero.consulting/services/ai-security) © 2026 Velero Consulting. 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