DoD Contractors Preparing for CMMC Compliance
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) has been a major focus for contractors within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and Department of Defense (DoD). Since its introduction in 2020, there has been confusion about its requirements, applicability, and enforcement timeline. Now, CMMC has evolved into its second version, reducing five levels to three, and is on the path to full implementation. Defense contractors will need to make a decision on how they are going to achieve and maintain their CMMC compliance status as audits begin.
As of November 10, 2025, CMMC compliance requirements are officially in effect and mandatory for all new Department of Work (formerly DoD) contracts. In Phase 1, organizations handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) must complete a CMMC Level 1 self-assessment and submit their results to the Supplier Risk Performance System (SRPS) before being awarded new contracts. Primes may also require their supply chain partners to achieve CMMC certification at any stage of the rollout.
Why Was CMMC Introduced?
The DoD established CMMC to protect sensitive defense-related information from increasing cyber threats. Over the past decade, adversaries have exploited cybersecurity gaps in the DIB, leading to the unauthorized disclosure of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). CMMC ensures that defense contractors implement adequate security measures to protect this data, thereby strengthening national security.
What is CUI?
CUI is sensitive but unclassified information that requires safeguarding due to government regulations. It includes data such as defense schematics, technical manuals, contract specifications, and export-controlled information. Ensuring proper handling of CUI is crucial to maintaining national security and protecting defense operations from foreign adversaries.
Where Does the CMMC Rule Stand? It’s Final for CMMC Compliance
It has taken several years to finalize the CMMC rule with many contractors wondering when these requirements will begin to show up in their contracts.
CMMC will be implemented in several phases:
Phase 1: November 10. 2025 Phase 1 began. During this phase, Level 1 and Level 2 self-assessment requirements will be included in applicable solicitations and contracts as a condition of award.
Phase 2: Starts one calendar year after Phase 1. Level 2 third-party assessments conducted by Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) become a condition for contract awards.
Phase 3: Initiates one calendar year after Phase 2 begins, involving government-led Level 3 assessments for contracts handling the most sensitive Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Phase 4: Arrives one year after Phase 3, marking full implementation with CMMC requirements included in all applicable DoD solicitations and contracts, including option periods.
How Should DoD Contractors Respond To CMMC?
Given the finalized CMMC framework, defense contractors must act quickly to achieve compliance. Failure to comply can result in contract loss, financial penalties, or legal consequences. Here’s what organizations should focus on:
1. Conduct a CMMC Gap Assessment
Evaluate your current cybersecurity posture against NIST 800-171 requirements (the foundation of CMMC Level 2). Identify gaps and develop a remediation plan.
2. Implement Key Cybersecurity Controls
Adopt required security measures, including:
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Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
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Data Encryption
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Incident Response Plans
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Continuous Monitoring and Logging
3. Choose the Right Compliance Partner
Working with a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) experienced in CMMC can simplify compliance. Under CMMC terminology, these providers are known as External Service Providers (ESP) and must also meet compliance standards.
CorpInfoTech, a Trusted CMMC MSP
CorpInfoTech helps contractors achieve and maintain CMMC compliance through our TAS for CMMC Compliance solution. Through our level 2 certification, we are able to pass down 200+ of the 320 controls required by CMMC L2. We use proven technologies to reduce risk and give you greater confidence in a successful C3PAO audit. Our services are also enterprise-certified, meaning we are able to secure and protect on-prem technologies outside of a standard enclave. Our compliance services offer greater flexibility and efficiency for organizations seeking certification.
For organizations that must comply with CMMC level 1, we implement the CIS Controls, an industry standard framework, that aligns nicely with level 1 requirements. As a CIS-accredited organization, CorpInfoTech has proven our ability to implement the controls in both our clients and our own IT environments.
CorpInfoTech has gone through the process and understands the complexities of compliance. Let us help you achieve your compliance goals!
CorpInfoTech is a CMMC Level 2 (C3PAO) certified MSP - ready to help your organization down the CMMC journey.
Key Takeaways
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CMMC is no longer “coming soon.” It is now required for new DoD contracts beginning November 10, 2025.
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Your assessment requirement depends on what you handle—FCI typically maps to Level 1, and CUI requires Level 2 controls aligned to NIST 800-171.
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Early preparation reduces risk and cost. Waiting until a contract demands certification can delay awards and threaten revenue.
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Compliance isn’t a one-time event. You’ll need ongoing governance, monitoring, and evidence to maintain readiness.
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The strongest contractors treat CMMC as a business advantage, not just a requirement—improving security and increasing contract eligibility.
CorpInfoTech, a Managed Service Provider (MSP) with over 25 years in the SMB space, is a trusted partner for business pursuing compliance and cybersecurity. We are a CMMC Level 2 (C3PAO) certified MSP and a Cyber AB Registered Provider Organization (RPO). Also, as the first CIS accredited organization, we help organizations implement the CIS controls as it pertains to CMMC and your overall cybersecurity posture. CorpInfoTech is your trusted partner for secure, compliant growth in every changing digital landscape.
