CMMC

New changes have been introduced to the cybersecurity requirements DoD contractors must meet for compliance. The first version of the CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) was released in January 2020, and now all contractors must achieve DoD certification before bidding on government projects.

These requirements can be confusing. CMMC certification is tier-based, meaning contractors must obtain the appropriate level based on the type of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) they handle. The DoD determines which level applies to each contractor.

Understanding the required DoD certification level is the first step. Once you know your level, you can take the necessary steps to meet compliance requirements and maintain eligibility for DoD contracts.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process for CMMC DoD certification and explain why staying compliant is critical for contractors working with the Department of Defense.

CMMC-AB plays a central role in how organizations achieve compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), the Department of Defense’s framework for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

CMMC will be required for organizations that contract with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). While these contracts can be highly valuable, they require meeting strict cybersecurity standards. To achieve certification, organizations must be assessed by a qualified third-party assessor that is accredited by the CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB).

In this article, we explain who the CMMC-AB is, what it does, and how it fits into the broader CMMC ecosystem, including the other key stakeholders responsible for enforcing and maintaining CMMC requirements.

Sensitive data and information correlated to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) actions are hacked and compromised on a continuous basis and it is a problem for every DoD contractor. The U.S.federal government has put in place a severe and critical update to its cybersecurity model. The latest Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) puts a huge and necessary focus on data within DoD contractors, subcontractors and supply chain organizations’ networks.

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

In 2019, the Department of Defense (DoD), together with Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) and the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute (SEI), began reviewing existing cybersecurity standards. Their goal was clear: to combine these practices into a single, unified cybersecurity framework to protect the DoD supply chain. This framework is now known as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Although the CMMC is still being fully developed, select DoD contractors are expected to undergo CMMC audits as early as this year. If you’re a government contractor, there’s no time to wait. Use this CMMC audit preparation checklist to get ready and ensure your organization meets all requirements.

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?