The answer in 50 words
CMMC compliance software guides a contractor through implementing, documenting, and attesting to CMMC. For Level 1, it walks the 15 FAR 52.204-21 requirements, collects evidence, generates your System Security Plan and affirmation, and prepares your SPRS posting — faster and more defensibly than a spreadsheet.
Spreadsheet vs. consultant vs. Custodia
| Spreadsheet | Consultant | Custodia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | $0 + your time | $6k–$18k | $249/mo |
| Guided per requirement | No | Yes | Yes |
| Generates SSP + affirmation | Manual | Yes | Auto |
| Evidence review | No | Sometimes | AI + optional human |
| Annual renewal tracked | No | Re-engage | Automatic |
What the platform does
Guided self-assessment of all 15 requirements
Walk every FAR 52.204-21 safeguarding requirement in plain English, with per-provider steps for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Okta, Active Directory, and AWS. Mark each MET or NOT MET with confidence.
Evidence collection and AI review
Upload screenshots, configs, and logs against each requirement. Charlie, the built-in AI compliance officer, reviews each artifact and flags what is insufficient before it can break your affirmation.
Auto-generated SSP and affirmation memo
Your answers and evidence assemble into a print-ready System Security Plan and a signed affirmation memo — the exact artifacts a prime, contracting officer, or DIBCAC reviewer asks for.
SPRS-ready output
When everything is MET, the platform produces the values you paste into SPRS and walks you through posting the senior-official affirmation through PIEE.
Annual renewal on autopilot
Continuous evidence-freshness checks and renewal reminders so your affirmation never lapses. The 12-month cycle is handled for you.
Encrypted, single-tenant by design
Evidence, signer identity, and your attestation packet are encrypted with a per-tenant key. Your compliance data is yours alone.
CMMC Compliance Software: FAQ
What is CMMC compliance software?
CMMC compliance software is a tool that guides a contractor through implementing, documenting, and attesting to the cybersecurity requirements of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. For CMMC Level 1, the right software walks you through the 15 FAR 52.204-21 safeguarding requirements, collects evidence, generates your System Security Plan and affirmation, and prepares your SPRS posting.
Do I need software for CMMC Level 1, or can I use a spreadsheet?
You can self-assess CMMC Level 1 with a spreadsheet and a Word document — it is legal and free. Software helps when you want the evidence organized, the SSP and affirmation generated correctly, the annual renewal tracked, and a reviewer to catch gaps before you affirm. For a busy small contractor, the time saved and the reduced risk of a false affirmation usually justify the cost.
How much does CMMC Level 1 compliance software cost?
Custodia is $249/month for Self Service, with a 7-day free trial and no credit card to start. A plan with a credentialed human compliance officer assigned to your account is $397/month. By comparison, a consultant-led Level 1 engagement typically runs $6,000–$18,000. See the pricing page for current details.
Does the software file my SPRS affirmation for me?
The platform prepares everything and walks you through the SPRS posting in PIEE. The senior-official affirmation itself must be submitted by an authorized official of your company, because that person accepts personal responsibility for its accuracy under 32 CFR § 170.22.
Is CMMC Level 1 self-assessed or does the software make it third-party certified?
CMMC Level 1 is self-assessed and self-affirmed — no third-party (C3PAO) assessor is involved, and no software can change that. Good software makes your self-assessment faster, better-documented, and more defensible, but the affirmation remains yours.
Try it free for 7 days
Start your CMMC Level 1 self-assessment in the platform today. No credit card required. If it is not faster and clearer than your spreadsheet, walk away.