Everything you need to know about CMMC compliance for defense contractors
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is a unified standard for implementing cybersecurity across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It's required by the Department of Defense to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the defense supply chain. Without CMMC certification, you cannot bid on or maintain DoD contracts that involve CUI.
CMMC Level 1 requires 17 practices focused on basic cyber hygiene and is for contractors handling Federal Contract Information (FCI). CMMC Level 2 requires 110 practices aligned with NIST SP 800-171 and is for contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Level 2 is more comprehensive and may require third-party assessment depending on the contract requirements.
Your required CMMC level depends on the type of information you handle. If you only handle FCI (basic contract information), you likely need Level 1. If you handle CUI (technical data, blueprints, export-controlled information), you need Level 2. The contract solicitation will specify the required level.
The timeline varies based on your current security posture. For Level 1, companies can typically achieve compliance in 2-4 months. For Level 2, expect 6-12 months or more, depending on the number of gaps identified and resources available for remediation. A gap assessment will give you a more accurate timeline.
Costs vary widely based on your company size, current security posture, and required level. Level 1 compliance might cost $10,000-$30,000 including consulting and basic security tools. Level 2 can range from $50,000 to $200,000+ including consulting, technical controls, and the certification assessment. I provide affordable consulting rates to help minimize these costs.
I offer comprehensive CMMC consulting including gap assessments, System Security Plan (SSP) development, POA&M management, policy and procedure writing, managed compliance programs, and employee training. I can help with both Level 1 and Level 2 preparation.
Yes, I am a certified CMMC Registered Practitioner (CMMC-RP) by the Cyber AB. This certification demonstrates my knowledge of CMMC requirements and my ability to help organizations prepare for assessment.
Absolutely. While I'm based in Southern California, I work with defense contractors across the country through secure remote collaboration. On-site visits are available when needed.
A gap assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of your current security controls against CMMC requirements. I'll review your systems, policies, and procedures to identify which controls you have in place and which need to be implemented or improved. You'll receive a detailed report with prioritized recommendations and a remediation roadmap.
Working with me means you get direct access to a CMMC expert without the overhead of a large consulting firm. You'll work with the same person from start to finish, get more affordable rates, and receive personalized attention tailored to your specific needs. No junior consultants or account managers—just direct expert guidance.
An SSP is a comprehensive document that describes your information system, the security controls you've implemented, and how those controls meet CMMC requirements. It includes system boundaries, data flows, responsible personnel, and detailed control implementations. It's required for CMMC Level 2 assessment.
A Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) is a document that tracks security gaps and your plan to remediate them. It includes identified weaknesses, remediation steps, responsible parties, resource requirements, and target completion dates. It's an essential tool for managing your path to compliance.
Yes, many cloud providers offer FedRAMP-compliant services that can help you meet CMMC requirements. However, you're still responsible for implementing certain controls and ensuring your use of cloud services meets CMMC standards. I can help you evaluate and properly configure cloud solutions for CMMC compliance.
Yes, CMMC Level 2 requires implementation of all 110 security practices from the 14 CMMC domains. However, some practices may be implemented differently based on your specific environment and the way you handle CUI. A proper scoping exercise ensures you're implementing what's necessary for your situation.
CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) is sensitive but unclassified information that requires safeguarding. Examples include technical data, export-controlled information, procurement-sensitive information, and certain financial data. If your DoD contracts involve technical specifications, designs, or other sensitive government information, you likely handle CUI.
CMMC Level 1 allows for self-assessment in many cases. CMMC Level 2 assessment requirements depend on the contract and information handled. Some contracts require third-party assessment by a certified C3PAO (Third-Party Assessment Organization), while others may allow self-assessment. The contract solicitation will specify the assessment type required. As a CMMC-RP, I can help prepare you for any assessment type but cannot perform official third-party certification assessments.
CMMC certification is valid for three years. However, you must maintain continuous compliance during this period. Many companies benefit from ongoing compliance support to ensure they remain certified and are ready for surveillance assessments or contract requirements.
If you don't pass the assessment, you'll receive a report detailing the deficiencies. You can remediate these issues and schedule a re-assessment. This is why preparation with a CMMC-RP is valuable—we help ensure you're ready before the official assessment, reducing the risk of failure.
Currently, you can continue existing contracts while working toward CMMC compliance. However, new contract solicitations increasingly require CMMC certification at time of award. It's important to start your compliance journey as soon as possible to avoid losing contract opportunities.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific CMMC compliance needs and get personalized answers.