#United States #Cybersecurity #CMMC #Perezdiaz #Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

Veteran-Owned Perezdiaz, LLC Achieves C3PAO Authorization

On February 24, 2026, Perezdiaz Federal, the independent assessment division of Perezdiaz, LLC, proudly announced its authorization as a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). This recognition, granted by The Cyber AB, allows the firm to perform official Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 assessments for entities within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).

With fewer than 100 authorized C3PAOs currently operating in a landscape that serves more than 80,000 defense contractors, Perezdiaz Federal is among the elite group designated to provide valued cybersecurity certifications. This achievement enhances the firm's standing at the forefront of independent verifications, especially as the Department of War implements CMMC requirements across its federal acquisitions.

A Commitment to Independent Assessments

Operating with strict independence requirements as defined in 32 CFR Part 170, Perezdiaz Federal makes it clear that it serves exclusively as an authorized assessment body during certification engagements—specifically avoiding any roles that could be construed as consultancy or advisory. George Perezdiaz, the founder and Managing Director of the firm, stated, "Our role is not to advise. Our responsibility is to independently verify that security controls are implemented, operational, and producing the intended risk outcomes."

Organizations that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in their operations related to Department of War contracts must comply with CMMC Level 2 certification. This requirement is critically embedded in the DFARS acquisition language, emphasizing the importance of trustworthy cybersecurity practices.

Experience and Expertise Behind Perezdiaz Federal

The firm is led by George Perezdiaz, who brings over 20 years of experience in supporting, assessing, and protecting aerospace and defense initiatives. He is recognized as one of the first 50 Lead Certified CMMC Assessors in the country—a credential from The Cybersecurity Assessor and Instructor Certification Organization (CAICO). His professional background also includes advanced certifications such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC).

Before establishing Perezdiaz, LLC, George notably served in the United States Air Force and in various roles supporting top defense organizations, including the National Military Command Center (NMCC) and the Department of State. His extensive history ensures a foundation for Perezdiaz Federal's assessments grounded in realism, emphasizing that security controls should not only exist in paperwork but perform effectively in practice.

Focus on Robust Security Assessments

The certification assessments by Perezdiaz Federal are meticulously designed to evaluate whether the security controls that organizations must implement under NIST SP 800-171A are not just documented but functioning as intended in real-world conditions. The process also ensures that risks are being managed effectively rather than superficially addressed. Through these rigorous assessments, Perezdiaz Federal aims to guarantee that Controlled Unclassified Information is protected properly within every operational environment.

Moreover, Perezdiaz Federal extends its services to provide independent third-party internal assessments. These evaluations support executive-level affirmation requirements by measuring control effectiveness before the next certification cycle, identifying operational discrepancies, confirming remediation of issues, and providing solid backing to Affirming Officials and senior executives.

Building Trust in Cybersecurity

George Perezdiaz emphasizes the importance of trust within the defense supply chain by stating, "CMMC is not a compliance exercise. It is a trust verification mechanism across the defense supply chain. Our responsibility is to confirm that the safeguards organizations attest to are in place, functioning, and protecting the information entrusted to them."

As CMMC requisites become integral to the source selection and contract administration processes of the Department of War, defense contractors find themselves facing a critical choice: demonstrate an independently verified cybersecurity posture or potentially lose access to valuable federal opportunities. Through their authoritative assessments, Perezdiaz Federal provides trustworthy, evidence-based assurance to the U.S. Department of War, prime contractors, and necessary federal acquisition stakeholders.

In summary, Perezdiaz, LLC stands out in the competitive cybersecurity landscape as a veteran-owned firm registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with an active CAGE registration. Positioned in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, Texas, Perezdiaz Federal is set to impact the defense sector profoundly, helping organizations uphold the highest cybersecurity standards necessary for continued participation in federal contracting.