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Navigating the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework can feel overwhelming, especially for government contractors working to secure and retain Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. Between implementing the 110 rigorous security requirements in NIST 800-171 and maintaining ongoing compliance, the path forward can feel like a maze of complexity and cost.  

But there’s a smarter way through it.  

Enter External Service Providers (ESPs) — a powerful force multiplier for organizations looking to accelerate compliance efforts, reduce risk, and save time and money. Here’s how ESPs unlock these benefits and what you need to know when choosing the right one. 

Why CMMC Compliance Trips Up Contractors  

Achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance isn’t a static achievement – it means operational readiness and demands more than a one-time sprint. Here’s what often stands in the way:  

• High Upfront Costs: Implementing CMMC’s 110 security requirements demands a list of specialized tools, training, assessment, and often new personnel. That adds up fast.  

• Operational Disruption: IT teams already stretched thin face major slowdowns while tackling compliance manually. And for organizations lacking dedicated resources with specialized expertise, implementation efforts can disrupt operations and create vulnerabilities and risk.  

• Risk of Non-Compliance: A misstep in control implementation or documentation could cost you a contract – or worse, lead to a breach. 

• Expertise Gaps: Many small to mid-sized contractors in the DIB simply lack the in-house experience needed to interpret and operationalize security requirements.   

In short: Going it alone is slow, expensive and risky. 

And that’s where ESPs come in. Partnering with ESPs helps close the compliance gap by offloading the technical lift, bringing proven systems and seasoned professionals to the table. Think of them as compliance copilots—navigating the terrain so you can stay focused on the mission.  

What is an External Service Provider (ESP)?  

The CMMC final rule defines External Service Providers (ESPs) as any third-party entity – people, technology, and/or facilities – that help deliver or secure IT and cyber capabilities for your organization. ESPs fall into three main categories:  

1. Cloud Service Providers (CSPs)  

2. Managed Service Providers (MSPs)  

3. Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs)  

Each plays a distinct role in the building and protecting the digital backbone of the Defense Industrial Base.   

The Value ESPs Unlock  

 When you choose the right ESP, you’re not just hiring a vendor. You’re gaining a strategic advantage:  

• Accelerated path to Compliance: The right ESP knows the terrain, has purpose built and templated tools and solutions to get you where you need to go, while keeping you compliant and safe.  

• Reduced Spend: Outsourcing to the right provider reduces the cost of building highly specialized teams and managing infrastructure from scratch. 

• Modern Security Posture: ESPs have vetted, selected, deployed and tested an expansive list of tools and processes to safeguard sensitive information and pass an audit.  

• Clarity with CRM: Many ESPs provide a Customer Responsibility Matrix (CRM), clearly defining who owns what – a must have for audit readiness. 

Breaking down the ESP Landscape 

To find the right fit, you need to understand the strengths each flavor of ESP brings to the table.  

1. Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) 

• • What They do: Provide secure infrastructure and tools for storing, processing, and transmitting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the cloud.  

• • Compliance Edge: FedRAMP-authorized platforms like AWS GovCloud and Microsoft Azure Government align with DoD expectations out of the box.  

• • Best For: Organizations migrating to the cloud or managing hybrid environments. 

2. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) 

• • What They Do: Manage IT infrastructure—think servers, endpoints, backups, and strategy.  

• • CMMC Role: MSPs act as the “Maestro” of your compliance orchestra, ensuring that all systems, configurations, and security controls work seamlessly together.  

• • Best For: Organizations needing full-service IT with built in, integrated compliance guidance.  

3. Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) 

• • What They Do: Deliver advanced cybersecurity services – Threat detection, incident response, 24/7 monitoring.   

• • CMMC Role: MSSPs fortify your defenses, helping you meet detection and response controls with confidence.  

• • Best  For: Organizations that want to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. 

Avoiding Pitfalls When Choosing an ESP 

Not all ESPs are created equal. Beware of bold claims like “100% DoD Compliance in 60 days.”  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Real compliance isn’t a helicopter ride to the summit—it’s a continuous, evidence-driven process and climb. Anyone promising to get you to the top in 30 days is either skipping the hard part or setting you up for a bad fall. It’s about knowing your work, proving maturity, and staying audit-ready over time.  

Here’s how to evaluate your options:  

• • Ask for a Customer Responsibility Matrix (CRM): This is your compliance “chore chart”. Know what your provider owns—and what you still need to manage internally.  

• • Ask the tough questions:  

• • Are they FedRAMP certified? 

• • Do they have experience supporting DoD contracts? 

• • Are they CMMC Level 2 certified? 

• • Watch for hidden fees – Some ESPs charge extra for things that should be standard such as documentation, audit support, or remediation assistance. 

• • Assess stability and expertise: 

• • High staff turnover? Walk away. 

• • No DIB experience? That’s a risk you can’t afford. 

Why the CRM is Non-Negotiable 

Each NIST 800-171 requirement has an owner. Think of the CRM as a “chore chart” that outlines exactly who is responsible for every NIST 800-171 requirement – every assessment objective. The CRM spells that out, control by control, so nothing gets lost in translation. No ambiguity. No finger-pointing. Just clarity. By clearly defining responsibilities, the CRM builds confidence, ensuring shared understanding before the auditor even shows up. 

Final Thought: The Right ESP Is a Force Multiplier 

The best ESPs don’t just remove the compliance burden, they help you build a system that scales.  

• Streamlined operations 

• Secure architecture.  

• Accelerated audits 

• Peace of Mind  

If you’re still wrangling spreadsheets or stitching together point solutions, it’s time to take the next step. 

If you’re ready to learn how ESPs truly work, watch our full on-demand webinar on this topic here: How ESPs Can Lower Costs, Reduce Risk & Speed Up CMMC Compliance.  

Don’t go it alone. NeoSystems has helped dozens of contractors and partners scale the compliance mountain with confidence. Reach out and let’s talk about where you are, and where you need to go.