Everything You Need to Know About CMMC Readiness

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a federal framework that must be followed by any organization that is or will be under contract with the Department of Defense (DoD). If your organization works with or partners with any DoD-affiliated entity, ensuring your company is CMMC ready is essential for protecting sensitive information and maintaining eligibility for DoD contracts. CMMC readiness is a structured process that involves assessments, security improvements, documentation, and certification—often requiring up to 18 months to complete.

Failing to comply with CMMC requirements can mean losing valuable contracts and missing out on future business opportunities. Given the phased rollout of CMMC requirements beginning in mid-2025, now is the time to take action.

What Is CMMC?

The CMMC framework was developed to safeguard two key types of data: Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

• FCI: Information that is not intended for public release and is provided by or generated for the Government under a contract to develop or deliver a product or service to the Government.
• CUI: Information that the Government creates, possesses, or that an entity generates on behalf of the Government and requires safeguarding under federal regulations. 

The amount of FCI and CUI your organization accesses determines which level of CMMC compliance you must achieve, ranging from less stringent to more. The required level you need to obtain should be outlined in your contract with the DoD and may apply to vendors you work with. These vendors could include any contractor, manufacturer, supplier, reseller, distributor or service provider to any DoD entity or organization that has a contract with the DoD.  

CMMC Levels 

How much CUI or FCI your organization has access to will determine which level of CMMC you are required to achieve. Level 1 is the least stringent, with only 17 cybersecurity requirements. To achieve compliance for this level, your organization needs to complete a self-assessment. 

Levels 2 and 3 are for companies that hold more classified information. Maintaining these levels requires an audit every three years. To reach Level 2, an organization must comply with 110 requirements and pass an audit completed by an authorized third party every three years. Level 3 requires 110 NIST SP 800-171 R2 requirements and 24 requirements from SP 800-172. The audit must be conducted by a DIBAC (Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center) every three years. 

Consider structuring like the below: 

Level 1: Foundational

• Who needs it? Any defense contractor that works with FCI.
• What it covers: Basic cybersecurity practices designed to protect FCI, including access controls and password management.
• Regulatory foundation: Built on 17 security requirements outlined in FAR 52.204-21.
• Assessment process: Organizations must conduct an annual self-assessment and have a senior official affirm compliance.

Level 2: Advanced

• Who needs it? Most defense contractors that handle CUI.
• What it covers: A more comprehensive cybersecurity framework designed to safeguard CUI against threats.
• Regulatory foundation: Aligned with the 110 security requirements in NIST SP 800-171.
• Assessment process:
  • For most contractors: A triennial third-party assessment by a Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO), with annual affirmations.
  • For those handling non-critical national security information: An annual self-assessment and affirmation may be sufficient.

Level 3: Expert

• Who needs it? A small percentage of defense contractors that handle the most sensitive CUI and are at risk from Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs).
• What it covers: The most stringent security practices, designed to protect critical national security information from sophisticated cyber threats.
• Regulatory foundation: Built on 110 requirements from NIST SP 800-171, plus 24 additional controls from NIST SP 800-172.
• Assessment process: Need more info here – we can check with our cyber team 

Timeline for CMMC Readiness 

The DoD plans to roll out CMMC certification requirements gradually, with full enforcement expected by December 2028. While that may seem far off, preparation takes time. Depending on your current cybersecurity posture and the level you need to achieve, the process can take up to 18 months or longer.

Key Milestones:

• CMMC Final Rule Effective: December 16, 2024
• Initial CMMC Requirements: Mid-2025 (expect the CMMC requirements to start appearing in contracts in 2025, staring with Phase 1, which includes self-assessments)
• Phased Implementation: 2025 – 2028 (DoD is phasing CMMC into contracts over the next three years, gradually increasing compliance expectations)
• Full Enforcement: by 2028

Early preparation minimizes risks, prevents disruptions, and ensures your organization remains eligible for defense contracts.

CMMC Readiness Assessment 

It can be difficult to know how ready your company is to meet compliance requirements. And your not alone. Many companies are unaware of where they stand regarding CMMC compliance. Conducting a Gap Assessment is the best way to identify your strengths, gaps, and next steps. 

The team at TechSolve can work with you at every step of your CMMC readiness journey. Here’s a quick synopsis of how we ensure smooth and efficient support:

• Discovery: Before starting your assessment, we work with you to learn your unique objectives, challenges, timeline, and budget. 
• Assessment: We conduct a gap assessment of your operations to identify compliance gaps and what existing security controls you may meet.  
• Implementation: We help you implement necessary documentation and security measures to meet CMMC requirements.
• Certification Preparation: Once the improvements are in place, we assist in preparing for your third-party audit. 

By following this structured approach, your organization can navigate the complexities of CMMC with confidence.

Why CMMC Readiness Can’t Wait 

Every day you delay CMMC preparations, your business is exposed to greater risks. Compliance isn’t just about maintaining eligibility for DoD contracts—it’s about protecting your company from cyber threats, safeguarding critical data, and maintaining a competitive edge in 

Here’s why getting started now is critical:

• Avoid Contract Disruptions: Without certification, you risk losing existing contracts and missing out on new opportunities.
• Reduce Costs & Stress: Rushing last-minute compliance efforts can be expensive and disruptive. A proactive approach spreads costs over time and allows for a smoother transition.
• Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Posture: Beyond compliance, meeting CMMC standards helps protect your business from cyber threats, minimizing potential breaches and data loss.
• Stay Ahead of Deadlines: With CMMC requirements taking effect as early as mid-2025, early adopters will have the advantage of securing certification before it becomes a bottleneck for the industry.

Get Started on Your CMMC Readiness Journey Today

Avoid costly contract losses and compliance headaches. When you start preparing early and leverage outside support, gaining compliance with CMMC goes smoothly. TechSolve simplifies your path to CMMC compliance, helping you meet security requirements efficiently and effectively. Let’s build your CMMC readiness strategy together.

Contact us today to see where you stand with CMMC readiness and secure your place in the DoD supply chain.