CMMC Level 3 Requirements: NIST SP 800-172 and DIBCAC

CMMC Level 3 is the enhanced tier for selected high-priority programmes. It is not a standalone starter kit: you need a Level 2 C3PAO prerequisite, then implement 24 selected requirements from NIST SP 800-172 (February 2021). Assessment is performed by DCMA DIBCAC, not a C3PAO.

Related: CMMC hub · Level 2 · Assessment process · Timeline.

Suspension context: Phase II and later milestones are suspended as of September 2026; requiring activities may not designate Level 3 (DIBCAC) during the suspension window. Keep the architecture documented for when designations return.

Locked Level 3 Facts

Prerequisite: Level 2 assessed by a C3PAO
Adds 24 selected requirements from NIST SP 800-172 (Feb 2021)
Assessor: DCMA DIBCAC
Builds on the 110 Level 2 / 800-171 baseline — does not replace it

Level 2 vs Level 3

Topic

Level 2

Level 3

Baseline

110 × 800-171 Rev 2

L2 + 24 × selected 800-172

Assessor

Self or C3PAO

DCMA DIBCAC

Intent

Protect CUI

Enhanced protections for prioritized programmes

How CyberSilo Helps

Maintain Level 2 evidence quality so Level 3 programmes are not rebuilding from scratch
ThreatHawk for enhanced monitoring artefacts tied to 800-172-style detection expectations
We are not DIBCAC and not a C3PAO

Stabilize Level 2 Before Chasing Level 3

DIBCAC expects a real Level 2 foundation. Use CSA and ThreatHawk to keep the 110-requirement baseline continuously evidenced.

Talk to CyberSilo CMMC Automation

Frequently Asked Questions

How many 800-172 requirements does Level 3 add?

24 selected requirements from NIST SP 800-172 (February 2021).

Who assesses Level 3?

DCMA DIBCAC.

Can I go straight to Level 3?

No. Level 2 C3PAO is a prerequisite under the Level 3 construct.

CMMC hub · Level 2 · C3PAO · POA&M · CSA

CMMC Level 3 Requirements: NIST SP 800-172 and DIBCAC

Locked Level 3 Facts

Level 2 vs Level 3