Introduction to CMMC Compliance. What is CMMC Compliance?

What is CMMC Compliance?

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) to protect sensitive information within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) sector.

It addresses the growing threat of cyberattacks and intellectual property theft by ensuring that defense contractors and subcontractors implement appropriate cybersecurity measures. CMMC compliance is not just a suggestion but a requirement for any company working with the DoD that handles Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Model Overview Version 2.13 states

“the theft of intellectual property and sensitive information from all industrial sectors because of malicious cyber activity threatens economic security and national security”.

It is essential to understand that CMMC compliance means establishing and maintaining a level of cybersecurity maturity that aligns with the sensitivity of the information a company handles. Therefore, CMMC compliance is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing effort. CMMC guidelines are being developed to better assist companies with adaptation.

The CMMC framework incorporates security requirements from several key sources, including FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171, and a subset of NIST SP 800-172. CMMC compliance involves implementing security practices and processes specified in these standards, which are assigned to specific CMMC levels. The CMMC meaning is to provide a standardized method for verifying cybersecurity maturity throughout the supply chain.

Who Needs CMMC Certification?

CMMC certification is crucial for every company in the DoD supply chain that processes, stores, or transmits Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI). This includes both prime contractors and subcontractors, highlighting the broad scope of CMMC requirements.

The document emphasizes that “malicious cyber actors have targeted and continue to target the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) sector and the Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain”.  This includes “subcontractors that make up the lower tiers of the DoD supply chain,” who “are often small entities that provide critical support and innovation”.

Therefore, CMMC certification is not only for large company but for business of all sizes that are involved in DoD contracts. The goal of CMMC certification is to provide the DoD with greater assurance that company are protecting sensitive information at a level commensurate with the risk from cybersecurity threats. Any company seeking to bid on or perform work on DoD contracts involving CUI or FCI must obtain the required CMMC certification.

According to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Model Overview Version 2.13 document, the DIB sector consists of “over 220,000 company that process, store, or transmit Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI)”. Therefore, CMMC certification impacts a significant portion of the defense industrial base, making it a critical requirement for any company seeking involvement in defense contracts. The CMMC model applies not only to an entire company network but also to specific enclaves where protected information is handled.

The CMMC program is designed to provide the Department of Defense with increased assurance that business are compliant with information protection requirements. A CMMC overview provides a way to unify and strengthen cybersecurity.

What are the CMMC Security Certification Levels?

CMMC Version 2.13 provides a structured framework designed to safeguard Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) through a tiered approach. This model ensures that organizations implement appropriate cybersecurity practices and processes, enhancing the overall security posture of the defense industrial base (DIB). The certification model consists of three maturity levels. These CMMC levels are designed to correspond to the sensitivity of the information a company processes.

• CMMC Level 1 focuses on protecting Federal Contract Information (FCI), including the basic safeguarding requirements from FAR Clause 52.204-21. This includes 15 basic security requirements.
• CMMC Level 2 addresses the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), incorporating all 110 security requirements specified in NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2.
• CMMC Level 3 enhances the protection of CUI by including a subset of requirements from NIST SP 800-172 with DoD-approved parameters.

Each CMMC level builds upon the previous one, meaning that a company at CMMC level 2 must meet all requirements of Level 1, and a company at CMMC level 3 must meet both Level 1 and Level 2 requirements. According to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Model Overview Version 2.13 document, “Each level is independent and consists of a set of CMMC security requirements as set forth in 32 CFR § 170.14(c)”. Company should evaluate their needs to determine the appropriate CMMC level required for their specific contracts and information processing requirements. CMMC security is crucial at each of these levels.

How to Achieve CMMC Certification?

To achieve CMMC certification, company must go through several steps:

• Determine the required CMMC level: Based on the type of information the company handles, it must determine the necessary CMMC level. If a company only handles FCI, then CMMC level 1 is likely sufficient. If a company handles CUI, it will likely need CMMC level 2 or 3.
• Implement security controls: The company must implement all security controls and practices specified in the CMMC model that correspond to its required level. For instance, a company aiming for CMMC level 2 must implement all 110 security requirements specified in NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2.
• Undergo assessment: A CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) will conduct a formal assessment to verify that the company has implemented the required security practices. The CMMC assessment guides provide assessment objectives and considerations.
• Obtain certification: Upon verification of compliance by the C3PAO, the company will receive CMMC certification, indicating that it has achieved the necessary cybersecurity maturity level for DoD contracts.

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Model Overview Version 2.13 notes that:

“The CMMC Program is designed to provide increased assurance to the DoD that defense contractors and subcontractors are compliant with information protection requirements for FCI and CUI”.

Therefore, this process is critical for company seeking involvement in DoD contracts that involve sensitive information. Company must also maintain compliance through ongoing monitoring and periodic reassessment.

Cost of CMMC Security Certification

The cost of CMMC certification can vary significantly depending on several factors. These factors include the size of the company, its current cybersecurity infrastructure, the required CMMC level, and the complexity of its systems. For example, a company seeking to meet CMMC level 3 requirements may incur higher costs due to the more advanced security controls required, such as advanced threat detection and incident response capabilities. CMMC requirements for small business can be challenging due to cost considerations.

Costs associated with CMMC certification may include:

• Gap Analysis: An assessment of a company’s current security posture compared to CMMC requirements.
• Remediation Costs: Implementation of necessary changes to meet the standards of CMMC. This may involve upgrading IT infrastructure, implementing new security software, or training personnel.
• Assessment Fees: Paying for the services of an accredited C3PAO to conduct the assessment.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Continually monitoring and updating security practices to maintain compliance.

While the document does not provide specific cost figures for CMMC, it is clear that company, especially small business, should plan for these expenses and incorporate them into their business plans. The goal of CMMC is to protect the DIB sector, and this cost is an investment in the security of the nation’s defense supply chain.

In summary, the CMMC model is a crucial component of the DoD’s strategy to protect sensitive information from cyber threats by ensuring all company in the defense supply chain maintain an appropriate level of cybersecurity. The model is organized around distinct CMMC levels and domains, each with specific requirements that all company must adhere to.

Directio’s CMMC Compliance Services:

• CMMC Readiness Assessment – Identifies security gaps and provides a roadmap to compliance.
• Implementation Support – Helps organizations integrate necessary security controls from FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171, and NIST SP 800-172.
• Policy and Documentation Assistance – Ensures all required cybersecurity policies, procedures, and documentation align with CMMC framework.
• Training and Awareness Programs – Educates employees on cybersecurity best practices to maintain ongoing compliance.
• Pre-Assessment & Certification Support – Prepares businesses for official CMMC assessments, minimizing risks of non-compliance.

Whether you are a prime contractor or a small business in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) sector, Directio helps streamline CMMC certification so you can focus on securing government contracts with confidence. For more information on how Directio can support your CMMC compliance journey, contact our team today.