CMMC

If your organization currently works as a contractor with the Department of Defense (DoD), compliance is likely a critical component of your contract. Current Defense Federal Acquisition Register Supplement (DFARS) requirements include adherence to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-171 (SP 800-171). However, your next contract will likely require CMMC implementation.

In 2020, Department of Defense (DoD) contractors were required to implement robust cybersecurity protocols in response to increasing security breaches. One of the most significant incidents occurred on October 4, 2018, affecting over 30,000 civilian and military contractors.

To prevent future breaches, companies that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must demonstrate that their networks and systems meet stringent security standards. Achieving this requires compliance with the applicable Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) levels for the type of data they manage. Before contractors and their partners can obtain certification, they need a clear understanding of the CMMC framework and its five distinct levels.

Finding the right C3PAO is crucial for military contractors preparing for CMMC 2.0 compliance. A C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization) is accredited by the CMMC Accreditation Body to conduct assessments and verify that contractors meet Level 2 CMMC requirements for DoD contracts. Because your C3PAO determines whether your organization can bid on and maintain these contracts, partnering with a qualified assessor ensures long-term compliance and protects your business opportunities.

The Role of POA&Ms in CMMC Compliance and Certification

Military contractors that work with sensitive information need to prove their security chops through NIST and CMMC compliance. If a contract requires CMMC Level 2, you’ll need to implement the entirety of NIST SP 800-171, including 110 unique cybersecurity practices.

Is your organization ready for CMMC Level 2 compliance? Request a consultation to find out!

Cybersecurity within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) is a matter of national security. That’s why the Department of Defense (DoD) requires contractors to meet strict standards under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). For many organizations, achieving CMMC Level 2 or higher may involve working with a specialized third party: a Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO). But what exactly does a C3PAO do?

The CMMC implementation timeline is no longer a distant concern for DoD contractors, it’s an urgent priority. The Department of Defense (DoD) is enforcing cybersecurity requirements through the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 framework, with all new contracts requiring compliance by 2026. At the same time, the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requires organizations to implement NIST SP 800-171 controls as the baseline for security.

Delaying CMMC implementation now puts contractors at risk of disqualification from future defense contracts, a risk that will only grow as competition intensifies.

DoD contractors and vendors must constantly stay one step ahead in the ever-changing compliance landscape. The DoD, along with other U.S. federal agencies, regularly introduces new frameworks and requirements to protect sensitive government and military information.

For vendors and contractors looking to work with the DoD or U.S. military, compliance isn’t optional,  it’s a critical business necessity. Navigating these requirements can be complex, but understanding them is key to maintaining eligibility and operational security.

We recently spoke with Katherine Arrington, the DoD’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for Acquisition and Sustainment (A&S), for insights on DoD contractor compliance. Katherine also serves as a former House Representative of South Carolina’s 94th Congressional District and previously held the position of DoD-wide CISO.

In our conversation, she shared her perspective on new regulatory frameworks like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) the evolving compliance landscape, and practical steps DoD contractors can take to prepare themselves.

Continue Reading