Last updated on September 1st, 2023 at 05:08 pm
5 Things You Need to Know About CMMC As a DoD Contractor
There are 3 levels of CMMC standards:
- Level 1 (Foundational) only applies to companies that focus on protecting Federal Contract Information (FCI). This standard protects contractor information systems and limits access to only authorized users. Other companies will need to achieve a higher CMMC level.
- Level 2 (Advanced) applies to companies working with CUI. This standard applies to the majority of DIB contractors.
- Level 3 (Expert) applies to companies working on the DoD’s highest priority programs. It aims to reduce security risks from Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs).
Each level comes with its own set of required practices, processes, and controls. The majority of contractors will need to achieve CMMC level 2 standards. Only 10% or so will need to achieve CMMC level 3.
4. The Rules for Prime Contractors and Subcontractors
Prime contractors are responsible for ensuring that all subcontractors working under them are CMMC compliant. However, prime contractors are not responsible for paying for a subcontractor’s compliance journey.
If you are a prime contractor, you are encouraged to give direction on CMMC compliance to any subcontractors you work with.
5. When to Become Certified
All contractors in the DIB must become fully CMMC Compliant by 2026 to continue business with the DoD. However, it’s a good idea to become compliant sooner if you can. You will have a higher chance of getting contracts with the DoD this year if you already meet CMMC standards.
CMMC will be rolled out in a phased approach between 2023 through 2026. The number of new contracts requiring CMMC certification will grow each year until all contracts require CMMC Compliance in 2026. Contractors will need to meet CMMC Compliance standards if they want to win contracts.
The best time to start on the journey to compliance depends on the release of your preferred RFI/RFP and your business circumstances. You will still be able to bid on opportunities before you become CMMC compliant. However, you will not be awarded contracts until you meet the compliance requirement.
Need to Work Toward Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Compliance?
If your organization needs to achieve CMMC Level 2 compliance, Simple Helix can help. For the same money you already spend on MS 365, we can migrate you into the right MS 365 Government Cloud Community (GCC) environment to become CMMC compliant. From there, we can move you forward with managed workstations, firewalls, servers, and more.
We provide solutions for many CMMC Level 2 practices, augmented through our Managed IT Services. We can cover 54 practices out of the 110 total required for CMMC Level 2. Our partner, Gray Analytics, can cover the additional 56 practices required to reach Level 2 compliance.
Get in touch with us today about working toward CMMC compliance.