If you’re pursuing a government contract or handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), you already know cybersecurity is non-negotiable. What’s less clear is how much a cybersecurity assessment will actually cost.
Let’s break it down in plain language.
What’s Included in a Cybersecurity Assessment?
Most assessments for government contractors include:
- Risk and vulnerability scans to identify weaknesses in your systems and networks
- Control evaluation to measure your policies and security posture against standards like NIST SP 800-171 or CMMC
- Documentation review to analyze system security plans (SSPs), POA&Ms, and internal policies
- Penetration testing in some cases, especially for higher compliance levels
- Audit readiness checks to prepare for C3PAO or agency assessments
If you’re new to the process or haven’t had an assessment recently, the scope can expand depending on your environment.
How Much Does It Actually Cost?
Here’s a look at real-world cost ranges based on company size and compliance needs:
“The Expense Is Formidable”
“I had been quoted $200,000 as the cost of a level-two CMMC compliance assessment for my six-person company, plus $100,000 annual ongoing costs. In an average year, $200,000 would exceed the net profit of the company.” — Dunbar, Small DoD Contractor
This quote came from a 2022 industry report and reflects the reality many small contractors face. When compliance costs exceed profitability, the pressure can be overwhelming. Planning early and budgeting strategically becomes essential.
“Security Is an Allowable Cost”
Fortunately, the government understands these challenges. At a federal acquisition conference, DoD Cybersecurity Leader Katie Arrington made this clear:
“Security is an allowable cost.”
In other words, many cybersecurity expenses can be included in your overhead and potentially reimbursed under DFARS and other cost principles. That won’t eliminate the investment, but it may lighten the financial impact.
What Drives These Costs?
Several key factors influence the final cost of a cybersecurity assessment:
- Scope. More systems, people, and locations means more complexity.
- Compliance level. Meeting CMMC Level 1 is more straightforward than Level 2 or Level 3.
- Current security maturity. If you need help building documentation or policies from scratch, expect higher remediation costs.
- Assessment type. A gap assessment costs less than a full third-party audit or technical penetration testing.
How to Budget Smarter
- Start with a gap analysis These assessments often cost $10,000 to $30,000 and can help identify exactly what you need to do next.
- Confirm your requirements Not all contractors need third-party CMMC certification today. Knowing your exact requirements can save you from overspending.
- Track your costs as allowable Maintain good documentation to support indirect cost recovery where applicable.
- Plan for remediation The assessment is just the start. Fixing issues is often where most of the investment lies.
- Consider managed services If you don’t have in-house expertise, a managed cybersecurity provider may offer a more predictable and scalable cost structure.
Summary
Cybersecurity assessments for government contractors can cost anywhere from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on your organization’s size, current posture, and compliance goals. For larger companies or those pursuing high-level certifications, the cost can stretch well into six figures.
The real cost of not assessing? Lost contracts, failed audits, penalties, and the risk of a breach that could shut your doors.
Black Rock helps government contractors move from confusion to compliance with clarity, precision, and partnership.
Want help understanding what your specific assessment would cost? Schedule a call with our team and get a realistic view of what it will take to protect your business and win contracts.
