Why CMMC 2.0 Matters for Every Defense Contractor
If you’re a defense contractor — or a subcontractor working anywhere in the defense supply chain — CMMC 2.0 is about to change how you do business.
What Changed in CMMC 2.0
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 streamlined the original five-level framework down to three levels. For most contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Level 2 is the target.
Level 2 maps directly to the 110 security controls in NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2. If you’ve been working toward NIST compliance, you’re already on the right path.
Why It Matters Now
The Department of Defense has begun including CMMC requirements in contracts. This isn’t a future consideration — it’s happening now. Companies that can’t demonstrate compliance will lose access to DoD contracts.
The Self-Assessment Trap
While Level 2 allows for self-assessment in some cases, don’t underestimate the rigor required. A self-assessment still requires:
- A complete System Security Plan (SSP)
- A Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) for any gaps
- An affirmation from a senior company official
- Accurate scoping of your CUI environment
Getting this wrong doesn’t just mean failing an audit — it means potential False Claims Act liability.
Where to Start
The best first step is understanding your current state. A gap analysis against all 110 controls will show you exactly where you stand and what needs to be addressed.
That’s exactly what our free readiness assessment is designed to do.