Is your organization for ready for CMMC 2.0? If you work with the Department of Defense you need to be. We can help with our CMMC Readiness and Assessment Services.
Below you will find out what CMMC is, why you need to be concerned about it, and why we are the right option for you. To start with, here are some terms you’ll need to become familiar with:
CMMC = Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification
DIB = Defense Industrial Base
DoD = Department of Defense
CUI = Controlled Unclassified Information
FCI = Federal Contract Information
DFARS = Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement
What does CMMC stand for?
The CMMC acronym stands for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification
What is CMMC and why is it important?
The CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is a standard comprehensive framework for the implementation of cybersecurity for contractors and subcontractors doing business with the Department of Defense [DoD] in the United States Government. The purpose of CMMC is to protect the U.S. Defense Industrial Base [DIB] from frequent and complex cyber attacks.
CMMC was developed by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment of the United States Department of Defense. CMMC is mandated by the Department of Defense, which is also now a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
What does NIST stand for?
The NIST acronym stands for National Institute of Standards and Technology
What is NIST and why is it important?
NIST is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, founded in 1901 by Congress to improve our country’s measurement infrastructure via standardization. In this case, applied standards for artificial intelligence, communications, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and manufacturing. NIST is a non-regulatory agency, although some companies still adhere to it’s guidelines.
What is DFARS 252.204-7012? How is it related to CMMC?
The DFARS clause is a set of regulations required by the Department of Defense (DoD) for defense contractors handling CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information). This requirement is mandatory for corresponding contractors and subcontractors and includes:
1) Safeguard covered defense information
2) Report cyber incidents
3) Submit malicious software
4) Facilitate damage assessment
Both DFARS and CMMC are frameworks that the DoD uses to assess the implementation of cybersecurity requirements for contractors.
What is the CMMC Cybersecurity Framework?
The CMMC framework is based off of NIST standards and other standards used to protect sensitive data and to help organizations and contractors improve their data security. CMMC is required to do business with the U.S. Government.
CMMC regulates manufacturing contractors serving in the U.S. Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Any contractor sending, sharing or receiving Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI) must demonstrate compliance with CMMC.
CMMC 1.0 was originally set at 5 required and scalable levels of certification. The DoD eventually streamlined the framework to CMMC 2.0, designed primarily to ease the process and reduce costs for small businesses, including simplifying compliance by allowing self-assessment for some of the requirements. Once the CMMC framework is ready to be introduced, the DoD intends to specify the required CMMC level for each Solicitation of Requests for Information (RFI).
CMMC is a certification program outlining three levels of cybersecurity maturity, while NIST 800-171 is a standard set of guidelines outlining requirements for non-federal organizations to protect the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in their systems.
CMMC compliance requirements include documenting procedures, managing and reviewing cyber events, among others. Compliance requirements vary per contractor – this depends on project priority, information type, contract type, and contractor involvement.
The DoD plans to begin phasing in CMMC 2.0 program requirements to contracts beginning around Q3 of 2025 to prompt defense contractors to better protect their networks and CUI.
The CMMC program is set to be fully implemented by September 2027. With 12-18 months to prepare for a CMMC assessment and another 9-15 months to take the assessment, it’s important you spend your time and resources wisely when working towards CMMC Certification. And that is how we can help you. Our CMMC Readiness and Assessment Services can save you time and money.
NIST is not a regulatory agency itself, however, U.S. Federal Government agencies are required to use the CMMC Cybersecurity Framework (CSF). This means that any agencies that do business with the DoD at any level, including subcontractors, are required to follow the CSF. The level of involvement and will affect the level of CMMC compliance needed.
Those who do not meet CMMC program requirements will not be able to conduct business with the DoD and could be excluded from receiving future contracts. In addition to loss of business, those who do not follow the CMMC could potentially expose their organization to additional cyber threats. Nowadays, there are some companies who require the CSF for their customers or even within their supply chain.
Our CMMC Readiness and Assessment Services offering includes Assessment, Readiness, and Program guidance. This includes getting to know your organization’s security posture and working with you to tailor a path to compliance and security program involvement customized to fit your business.
• Help create a path to compliance for CMMC 2.0
• Help you to prepare for self-audit or CMMC certification
• Avoid loss of business opportunities
• Help reduce cyber threat attack surfaces
Our CMMC team has over 120 certifications in multiple compliance frameworks
To become CMMC certified and achieve compliance, DIB companies must be audited and assessed by a certified third-party assessment organization (C3PAO) or an accredited individual assessor. Contractors and subcontractors will be required to perform a self-assessment based on NIST 800-171 and report their score to the DoD.
The CMMC program will be fully implemented by September 2027. With 12-18 months to prepare for a CMMC assessment and another 9-15 to take the assessment, it’s important to plan ahead to meet deadlines so you don’t risk losing existing or potential future contracts.
Tim Kinnerup, SVP Business Development
(480) 483-4371 Office Direct
Please contact Tim for any urgent matters
9060 E. Via Linda, Suite 220
Scottsdale, AZ 85258-5423
(480) 483-4371
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