What happens during an assessment
The organization assesses the scoped environment against the Level 2 requirements and assessment objectives (32 CFR 170.17; DoD Level 2 Assessment Guide). Expect examination of records, interviews, and tests. Objectives and requirements receive MET or NOT MET determinations; N/A applies only when supported by the assessment guidance, not as a shortcut around missing evidence.
Prepare a current SSP, objective-linked evidence, and an explanation of any applicability decision. See C3PAO assessment preparation.
Conditional and Final CMMC Status
Final status requires meeting the applicable requirements. Conditional Level 2 status requires at least 88 points and only the narrow POA&M allowance in 32 CFR 170.21: eligible 1-point items plus 3.13.11 when encryption is used but not FIPS-validated. Requirements 3.1.20, 3.1.22, 3.12.4, 3.10.3, 3.10.4, and 3.10.5 cannot be on the assessment POA&M. Closeout is due within 180 days of the Conditional CMMC Status Date. A POA&M does not change a NOT MET finding to MET (170.24).
How to prepare without assuming the result
Follow the preparation steps: confirm the contract, scope the boundary, document implementation, review every objective, and address missing evidence. For example, an access-control policy should be backed by account and permission records, not submitted as the only proof of enforcement. Practice explaining what each record proves and what it does not prove.
Check the designation before scheduling
The July 13, 2026 Phase 2 suspension memo limits current designations to Level 1 (Self) and Level 2 (Self). Read CMMC status and your current contract before scheduling. Level 3 assessments are performed by DCMA DIBCAC, not a C3PAO (170.18).
We aren’t a C3PAO; we help you prepare
Athena Consulting Group is not a C3PAO or an RPO, and Athena is not FedRAMP authorized. Our team includes Cyber AB Registered Practitioners (RPs). We organize readiness work and evidence; we do not certify you or promise a result. See CMMC consulting services.