How Cyber AB Marketplace Supports C3PAO and CMMC Provisional Assessor
As cybersecurity requirements continue to evolve for Department of Defense (DoD) contractors, staying compliant with frameworks like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is essential. A critical piece of this compliance journey involves understanding how the Cyber AB Marketplace supports both C3PAO organizations and the role of the CMMC Provisional Assessor. For organizations like Ariento, which offer compliance and assessment services, aligning with the Cyber AB Marketplace is a crucial part of maintaining credibility and visibility.
What Is the Cyber AB Marketplace?
The Cyber AB Marketplace is the official directory for all authorized participants in the CMMC ecosystem. It is managed by the Cybersecurity Accreditation Body (Cyber AB), formerly known as CMMC-AB. The marketplace includes listings for authorized C3PAO firms, registered practitioners, and certified professionals who help guide contractors through CMMC compliance.
This centralized platform promotes transparency, provides easy access to verified professionals, and ensures that only approved organizations and individuals can support defense contractors in the certification process.
Support for C3PAOs
A C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization) is responsible for conducting formal CMMC assessments. Being listed in the Cyber AB Marketplace verifies that a C3PAO meets all required criteria, such as maintaining a mature cybersecurity posture and employing trained assessors.
For assessment providers like Ariento, being recognized in the marketplace is vital. It affirms credibility, makes services more accessible to contractors, and ensures clients that the assessment process will be in line with current CMMC requirements. Importantly, marketplace listing also ensures the C3PAO has completed the FedRAMP Moderate Baseline assessment or employs solutions like FedRAMP EDR for enhanced security, further validating their readiness.
Role of the CMMC Provisional Assessor
The CMMC Provisional Assessor plays a vital role during the early stages of CMMC rollout. These assessors were part of the initial cohort trained to evaluate contractors ahead of the full implementation of CMMC. Their listings on the Cyber AB Marketplace not only confirm their credentials but also ensure that contractors can confidently connect with professionals who have foundational experience in the model.
With the guidance of a CMMC Provisional Assessor, contractors can better understand what assessors will be looking for during evaluations and how to prepare accordingly. Many of these assessors also work with C3PAO organizations or CMMC consulting firms such as Ariento, offering practical insights based on first-hand experience.
The Role of FedRAMP EDR
The use of FedRAMP EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) solutions is another critical area of alignment. These tools help C3PAO organizations and their clients maintain strong security controls, which are essential during CMMC assessments. A listing on the Cyber AB Marketplace signals that a company not only meets CMMC standards but also utilizes compliant technologies like FedRAMP EDR to enhance cyber resilience.
Final Thoughts
The Cyber AB Marketplace is more than a directory — it's a trusted hub that supports the integrity and transparency of the CMMC ecosystem. For C3PAO organizations and CMMC Provisional Assessors, being listed helps build trust and ensures alignment with DoD expectations. And for defense contractors, working with listed professionals like those at Ariento is the first step toward confident, secure, and successful CMMC compliance. For more information on Cyber AB Marketplace, visit https://www.ariento.com/.