FCI vs. CUI determination: We identify if you handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) to determine your required level.
The outcome: A clear roadmap. Take the action plan and execute it yourself, or waive the fees by enrolling in our Managed Service.
System Security Plan (SSP): We develop this critical document describing your system boundaries and operational environment.
Closing the gaps: We implement the technical controls required to meet NIST SP 800-171 standards.
Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M): We create a compliant Operational Plan of Action for non-critical gaps, allowing you to achieve a Conditional CMMC Status while work continues.
For Level 1: We guide you through the required annual Self-Assessment to submit your results to SPRS.
For Level 2: We prepare you for the C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization) assessment, organizing evidence and ensuring your Security Protection Data is ready.
Continuous monitoring: We perform required ongoing monitoring to ensure controls remain effective.
Annual affirmation: We manage the data required for your Affirming Official to submit the mandatory annual affirmation.
IronGate is Executech's dedicated CMMC advisory program designed specifically for defense contractors and organizations in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) who need to achieve and maintain CMMC 2.0 compliance. Unlike a one-time readiness assessment, IronGate provides ongoing advisory support, combining gap analysis, remediation roadmapping, and audit preparation into a structured, accountable engagement. This means your organization is never left interpreting technical requirements alone after a report is handed off.
IronGate is built to support organizations pursuing CMMC 2.0 Level 1 self-attestation and Level 2 certification. Level 2 is the most common requirement for defense contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) under DFARS clause 252.204-7012, requiring adherence to all 110 security practices outlined in NIST SP 800-171. Executech's IronGate advisory process maps your current environment directly against those controls to identify risk gaps before a C3PAO assessment.
IronGate is an advisory and preparation service, not a C3PAO assessment, and that distinction matters. Because Executech guides your remediation rather than conducting the official certification audit, there is no conflict of interest. Your organization benefits from candid, coach-style preparation before engaging an independent C3PAO for the formal assessment. This model is increasingly preferred by prime contractors and program managers who want a trusted technical partner throughout the process.
Readiness timelines vary based on the size of your organization, the maturity of your existing IT environment, and how much CUI your systems touch. Smaller environments typically range from 4 to 8 months, while most small-to-mid-size defense contractors should plan for a 6 to 18 month window to address gaps, implement required controls, and complete documentation. Executech begins every IronGate engagement with a prioritized gap analysis so leadership has a clear, scoped roadmap from day one. Starting early is critical, as many DoD contracts now require CMMC certification at time of award.
CMMC 2.0 requirements are tied specifically to contracts involving Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), so not every DoD subcontractor will face the same certification level. Level 1 self-attestation applies to contractors handling FCI, while Level 2 third-party certification is required for those working with CUI, which includes technical drawings, program data, and acquisition-sensitive materials common in aerospace, defense manufacturing, and IT services. If you are unsure whether your contracts trigger a CUI obligation, the IronGate team can help you assess your data flows and contract language as part of the scoping process.
Documentation is one of the most commonly underestimated compliance burdens for defense contractors, and IronGate explicitly includes SSP development and POA&M management as core deliverables. Executech's advisors work with your team to build an SSP that accurately reflects your operating environment and control implementations, a foundational document that auditors and primes increasingly request before contracts are awarded. A well-maintained POA&M that shows active remediation progress can also demonstrate good faith compliance posture in scenarios where all 110 controls are not yet fully implemented.
Executech's IronGate CMMC Advisory service is available to defense contractors regardless of geography, as advisory and documentation work can be delivered remotely with on-site support coordinated where needed. While Executech has deep operational roots across Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and other Western states, the compliance frameworks governing CMMC, including NIST SP 800-171, DFARS, and the CMMC Model itself, are federal standards that apply uniformly across the country. Organizations with multi-site operations or distributed workforces are encouraged to contact Executech directly to discuss scoping.
