CMMC Compliance Guide for Defense Contractors and Subcontractors
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is the new baseline for doing business in the Defense Industrial Base. If you handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or even just Federal Contract Information (FCI), CMMC is a prerequisite to compete and win.
What Is CMMC?
CMMC is a unified cybersecurity standard for DoD contractors and subcontractors. It consolidates and formalizes requirements that previously lived in DFARS and NIST 800-171 into a maturity-based certification program.
Who Needs CMMC?
You are in scope if you hold DoD contracts or subcontracts, handle CUI, or access FCI on behalf of a DoD customer. Primes are increasingly enforcing CMMC-like requirements on their entire supply chain.
CMMC Levels (Practical View)
- Level 1 – Foundational: Basic safeguarding of FCI.
- Level 2 – Advanced: Aligned with NIST SP 800-171 and the primary target for most CUI-handling organizations.
- Level 3 – Expert: Intended for high-priority programs where advanced adversaries are a concern.
Core Building Blocks of a CMMC Program
- Scope and CUI boundary
- Policies and procedures
- Technical controls
- Documentation and evidence
- Ongoing governance
How to Approach a CMMC Readiness Program
- Baseline assessment against NIST 800-171 and CMMC Level 2
- Define target architecture (secure enclave vs broad scope)
- Execute prioritized remediation
- Build repeatable, control-level evidence
- Operationalize governance and monitoring
- Prepare for assessment with pre-assessments and training
If you are in the DIB and need a practical, defensible path to CMMC Level 2, you need a structured roadmap, a clear boundary, and an operational plan that survives audit.
Ready to get started? Schedule a Level 2 readiness assessment and receive a custom roadmap tailored to your environment.