CMMC Survival Guide: Lost in a Sea of Jargon? (CMMC Key Acronyms and Terminology)
If you’ve ever worked with the Department of Defense as a small or mid-sized manufacturer, you’ve probably run into the alphabet soup of CMMC and NIST 800-171. CMMC key acronyms fly left and right, and it’s hard to keep up with what they all mean, let alone figure out how they affect your contracts and compliance requirements.
This guide is here to help make sense of it all. We’ll walk through the key terms you need to know so you can navigate this landscape confidently and stay on top of your compliance efforts.
CMMC Key Acronyms and Terminology
Understanding the language of CMMC and NIST 800-171 is critical to keeping your business compliant. Here’s a quick reference for the most important acronyms and what they mean in plain language:
- CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification)
The CMMC framework ensures contractors have the right cybersecurity in place. There are three levels of certification: Foundational, Advanced, and Expert. Level 1 is for basic practices, while Levels 2 and 3 require a higher degree of security for protecting sensitive information. Depending on your contract, you may need certification from an outside assessor, or in some cases, just self-attestation. - DCSA (Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency)
The DCSA makes sure companies like yours follow the security standards the DoD requires. They oversee audits and help manage risk in the defense supply chain. - NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
NIST sets the standards for cybersecurity, and you’ll see their guidelines used in frameworks like CMMC. NIST 800-171 is the go-to for securing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI). - Practices (Security Controls)
Practices are the actual security measures you need to put in place to meet CMMC’s requirements. They’re what keep your systems and data secure. - CMMC AB (CMMC Accreditation Body)
The CMMC AB handles the assessment and certification process, making sure that companies like yours are evaluated properly when you’re working on contracts with the DoD. - OSC (Organization Seeking Certification)
An OSC is any company that’s working to get CMMC certification. If you’re doing business with the DoD, you’re probably in this category. - NARA (National Archives and Records Administration)
NARA oversees how government records are handled, including FCI and CUI. Their standards help set the rules for safeguarding this information. - FCI (Federal Contract Information)
FCI is the kind of non-public information that’s generated as part of a government contract. This data needs to be protected to meet both FAR and CMMC requirements. - CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information)
CUI is sensitive, unclassified information that still needs to be protected. Keeping this data secure is a key part of working with the government. - CUI Specified
This refers to a special category of CUI that comes with additional legal requirements for safeguarding and sharing. Examples include ITAR, EAR, and NNTP. - Contract Flow-Down
Contract flow-down means that if you’re a prime contractor, you’re responsible for making sure your subcontractors follow the same cybersecurity rules you do. - POAM (Plan of Action and Milestones)
This is where you document your plan to address security gaps. It shows the DoD how you’re working to fix any issues. - SSP (System Security Plan)
The SSP lays out how your company is implementing the required security controls. It’s an essential part of showing that you’re compliant with CMMC. - SPRS (Supplier Performance Risk System)
SPRS is a DoD tool that evaluates contractor performance and manages cybersecurity risks across the supply chain.
Relevant Regulations
In addition to the CMMC key acronyms above, if you see the regulations below in contracts, then you may have FCI or CUI, and your customer is requiring you to achieve a level of CMMC compliance. Think of these regulations as the navigational markers on your compliance journey: They’ll help keep you on the right course.
- FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation)
FAR sets basic requirements for safeguarding FCI in government contracts. FAR 52.204-21 mandates security for information within contracts and serves as a CMMC Level 1 foundational requirement. - DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement)
DFARS introduces additional cybersecurity requirements for DoD contractors:- DFARS 252.204-7012: Requires contractors to implement technical controls from NIST 800-171.
- DFARS 252.204-7019: Mandates maintaining a record of NIST compliance in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS).
- DFARS 252.204-7020: Requires subcontractors to report their NIST assessment results in SPRS.
- DFARS 252.204-7021: Ensures contractors maintain the appropriate CMMC level and enforce compliance throughout the subcontractor chain.
Other Important Terms
These terms are related to certification requirements that your technology partners may need to comply with if they are storing, processing, or transmitting CUI. Think of these terms as key waypoints, ensuring everyone in your supply chain follows the same navigational chart to compliance.
- C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization)
C3PAOs are the accredited organizations responsible for evaluating and certifying companies under CMMC. - ESP (External Service Provider)
ESPs are third-party vendors, like managed service providers, that support operations. They must comply with CMMC requirements since they often access FCI or CUI. - FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program)
FedRAMP provides a standardized approach to security for cloud services, certified at low, moderate, or high levels. Vendors storing, transmitting, or processing FCI and/or CUI typically require certification at a specific level.
Practical Steps to Stay on Track with CMMC Key Acronyms and Compliance
Navigating CMMC compliance isn’t just about learning acronyms, it’s about staying on top of evolving requirements and making sure your team is ready. Here are a few steps you can take right now to ensure you’re in good shape:
- Keep your reference guide handy: Bookmark this guide or keep it nearby when reviewing contracts. Knowing the key terms will save you a lot of time and headaches.
- Understand the impact: Make sure your team knows how terms like FCI and CUI apply to your specific contracts. Having a clear understanding early on helps you meet the right security levels.
- Set regular checkpoints: Don’t wait for an audit to find gaps. Schedule regular internal reviews to keep track of where you stand on compliance.
- Stay informed: Compliance standards change and new regulations come into play. Make it a point to keep up with any changes in CMMC or DoD requirements.
Following these steps can help you stay ahead of the game and avoid last-minute compliance scrambles. By keeping your team informed and prepared, you’ll ensure that you’re not only meeting requirements but doing so smoothly and efficiently. Questions on CMMC key acronyms or the certification prep process? Contact us. We’re happy to help.
