October 9, 2019
.png)
October 23, 2020
.jpg)
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) represents a significant shift in how the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) protects sensitive information across its contractor ecosystem. Introduced to strengthen cybersecurity throughout the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), CMMC moves contractors away from self-attestation and toward validated cybersecurity practices tied directly to contract eligibility.
Although the original CMMC framework was released in January 2020, the program has since evolved into CMMC 2.0, simplifying requirements while reinforcing the DoD’s expectations for protecting Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
For DoD contractors, the message is clear: preparation should begin well before CMMC requirements appear in contract language.
CMMC is a cybersecurity framework designed to verify that DoD contractors have appropriate safeguards in place to protect sensitive government information. Unlike earlier compliance models that relied heavily on self-certification, CMMC introduces structured assessment requirements that directly impact a contractor’s ability to bid on and perform DoD work.
Under CMMC 2.0, the framework consists of three levels:
Most contractors that handle CUI will be required to meet CMMC Level 2 requirements.
CMMC applies to all DoD contractors and subcontractors, regardless of size or position within the supply chain. Whether an organization is a prime contractor or several tiers removed, CMMC requirements will be specified at the contract level.
Without the required CMMC level, contractors may be:
The level of certification required will vary based on the type of information handled and the role an organization plays in the contract.
Although CMMC implementation is occurring in phases, preparation is not optional. Achieving compliance typically requires several months of planning, remediation, and documentation, depending on an organization’s current cybersecurity posture.
Organizations that wait until CMMC requirements appear in solicitations often face:
Early preparation allows contractors to address gaps methodically and reduce disruption when certification becomes mandatory.
A CMMC gap analysis evaluates an organization’s existing cybersecurity environment against the requirements of its target CMMC level. The goal is to identify gaps between current practices and required controls before formal assessment occurs.
A well-executed gap analysis helps organizations:
The outcome is a structured remediation plan that guides technical improvements, policy development, and documentation efforts.
After completing a gap analysis, organizations typically move through remediation activities to address identified deficiencies. This may include implementing technical safeguards, formalizing policies and procedures, and completing required documentation such as a System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M).
Depending on the required CMMC level, organizations may complete a self-assessment or undergo a third-party assessment performed by a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). Successful certification is generally valid for three years, provided ongoing compliance is maintained.
CMMC represents a long-term shift in how the DoD manages cybersecurity risk across its contractor base. While timelines and implementation details may continue to evolve, the underlying requirement for demonstrable cybersecurity controls is firmly established.
Organizations that begin preparing early are better positioned to:
The most common mistake contractors make is delaying preparation. CMMC readiness takes time, and early action provides a meaningful advantage.
.jpg)
