Let's cut right to it. If you're a defense supplier trying to figure out how to get CMMC 2.0 compliant, you've probably talked to a few MSPs. Maybe they promised you the moon. Maybe they gave you a quote that seemed reasonable until you realized it didn't actually cover what you need.

Here's the truth: most Managed Service Providers aren't built for defense compliance. They're built for general IT support, fixing printers, managing email, keeping your network running. That's fine for a lot of businesses. But if you're handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and need to meet CMMC 2.0 Level 2 requirements, "fine" doesn't cut it.

That's where CPE Level 2 comes in. And no, it's not just another acronym. It's a fundamentally different approach to compliance.

The MSP Problem Nobody Talks About

Here's what happens with most MSPs when you ask about CMMC compliance:

  1. They wing it. They've heard of NIST 800-171, maybe skimmed the requirements, and figure they can piece something together.
  2. They outsource the hard stuff. You end up paying your MSP, plus a consultant, plus software licensing, plus hardware, and nobody's actually accountable.
  3. They give you a checklist and call it a day. Great, you have documentation. But is your environment actually secure? Will it pass a C3PAO assessment?

The result? You spend months (and tens of thousands of dollars) only to find out you're still not compliant. Or worse, you think you're compliant until an auditor tells you otherwise.

Planet Security Inc. Cybersecurity Protected Enclave Promotional Graphic

What CPE Level 2 Actually Is

CPE Level 2, the Cybersecurity Protected Enclave, is a complete, turnkey solution specifically engineered for CMMC 2.0 Level 2 compliance. It's not a bolt-on service. It's not a "we'll figure it out" situation.

It's a purpose-built enclave that covers all 110 security requirements and 320 objectives of NIST SP 800-171r2/CMMC 2.0 Level 2. Every single one.

Here's what that means in plain English:

  • Your CUI stays protected in a hardened environment designed from the ground up for defense work
  • You don't have to become a cybersecurity expert to handle sensitive government contracts
  • Your compliance is built-in, not bolted-on after the fact

The Key Differences: CPE Level 2 vs. Typical MSPs

Let's break this down side by side.

1. Specialization vs. Generalization

Typical MSP: Handles everything from password resets to network monitoring. CMMC compliance is an afterthought, if it's offered at all.

CPE Level 2: Built exclusively for defense supplier compliance. Every feature, every configuration, every policy is designed around CMMC 2.0 Level 2 requirements. This isn't a side hustle, it's all we do.

2. Compliance Guarantees vs. Best Efforts

Typical MSP: "We'll help you work toward compliance." Translation: no guarantees, no accountability, and you're on your own when the auditor shows up.

CPE Level 2: Delivers a verified SPRS score of 110. You get audit-ready status in as little as 4 weeks, not 12-18 months of uncertainty. We stand behind the compliance of our infrastructure.

Planet Security's Cybersecurity Protected Enclave Level 2

3. Depth of Services vs. Surface-Level Support

Typical MSP: Provides basic managed services. You need compliance documentation? That's extra. Security monitoring? Extra. Incident response? You get the idea.

CPE Level 2 includes:

  • 900+ CPE-specific cybersecurity hardening steps
  • Integrated backup and disaster recovery
  • Network segmentation built-in
  • vCISO sessions for strategic guidance
  • Audit support when the C3PAO comes knocking
  • Continuous compliance monitoring
  • Incident response capabilities
  • System Security Plans (SSPs) and policies

No hidden fees. No surprise licensing costs. No extra hardware purchases.

4. Decades of Experience vs. Learning on Your Dime

Typical MSP: May have general IT experience but limited (or zero) background in defense compliance, NIST frameworks, or working with CUI.

CPE Level 2: Planet Security brings deep expertise in defense cybersecurity. We understand not just the technical requirements, but the operational realities of working with the DoD supply chain. We've seen what works, what fails audits, and what keeps defense suppliers up at night.

Why This Matters Right Now

If you're reading this in January 2026, you're in Phase 1 of the CMMC implementation timeline. That means:

  • CMMC Level 2 self-assessments are already required for new DoD contracts
  • C3PAO assessments are being required at DoD discretion
  • October 1, 2026 is the deadline when ALL new DoD contracts must require CMMC certification

The typical 12-18 month compliance timeline? You're already behind if you haven't started.

Cybersecurity Protected Enclave Level 2 Promotional Graphic

The Real Cost Comparison

Let's talk numbers, because that's usually where the conversation gets interesting.

The typical MSP + consultant + DIY compliance path:

  • MSP monthly fees: $2,000-5,000+
  • Compliance consultant: $15,000-50,000+
  • Additional software licensing: $500-2,000/month
  • Hardware upgrades: $10,000-30,000+
  • Your time (and sanity): Priceless
  • Timeline: 12-18 months
  • Guarantee of passing audit: None

CPE Level 2:

  • Starting at $1,099/month for up to 20 users
  • Hardware included
  • Licensing included
  • Managed services included
  • Timeline: 4 weeks to audit-ready
  • SPRS score: 110

The math speaks for itself.

What Peace of Mind Actually Looks Like

Here's what we hear from defense suppliers who switched to CPE Level 2:

"I stopped worrying about compliance and started focusing on my actual business."

"When the auditor asked about our controls, we had answers. Real answers. With documentation."

"We went from a SPRS score of 47 to 110 in less than two months."

That's not snake oil. That's what happens when you work with a solution designed specifically for your problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can't my current MSP just add CMMC compliance services?

A: They can try. But retrofitting compliance onto general IT infrastructure is expensive, time-consuming, and often incomplete. CPE Level 2 is built from the ground up for this purpose.

Q: What if I already have some compliance measures in place?

A: Great! We can assess where you are and show you exactly what's missing. Our CMMC 2.0 Level 2 Readiness Program includes gap assessments and remediation support.

Q: Is my data safe in the enclave?

A: Your CUI never leaves the enclave. It's protected by zero-trust methodology, global dynamic threat blacklisting, and over 900 hardening configurations. Plus, it's resilient against global cyber-attacks and even EMP-hardened options are available.

Q: What about ongoing support?

A: Next business day service is included. Plus vCISO sessions, continuous monitoring, and audit support. You're not alone in this.

The Bottom Line

If you're a small-to-medium defense supplier looking at CMMC 2.0 Level 2 compliance, you have two choices:

  1. Piece together a patchwork solution with your general MSP, a consultant, new software, new hardware, and hope it all works when the auditor arrives.

  2. Deploy CPE Level 2 and be audit-ready in 4 weeks with 100% requirement coverage, a verified SPRS score of 110, and a team that actually understands defense compliance.

There is simply not a more comprehensive offering for defense suppliers who need to protect CUI and meet CMMC 2.0 Level 2 requirements.

The deadline is approaching. The requirements are real. And your contracts depend on getting this right.

Template provided by Planet Security. While our infrastructure is built to these standards, each organization is responsible for its own final audit success.

planetsecurity.net | Scan QR Code for CPE Level 2 Details

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