December 16, 2024 — The Department of Defense’s (DoD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is officially in effect. This milestone underscores the DoD’s commitment to protecting sensitive information across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) by formalizing cybersecurity requirements for contractors.

Key Details on CMMC

CMMC introduces a structured framework with three certification levels, tailored to the cybersecurity needs of organizations:

  • Level 1: Basic security practices for handling Federal Contract Information (FCI).
  • Level 2: Advanced safeguards aligned with NIST SP 800-171 for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), requiring third-party certification.
  • Level 3: Comprehensive assessments conducted by the Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity

Assessment Center (DIBCAC) for organizations supporting high-priority DoD programs.
Implementation will begin as early as January 2025, with requirements gradually appearing in contracts. The framework is supported by Title 32 CFR, which formalizes CMMC as a mandatory element of the federal acquisition process.

Insights from Industry Experts

Matt Hoeper, Lead Certified CMMC Assessor (CCA) at Edwards Performance Solutions, emphasized the phased rollout:

“Assessments will begin as soon as January 2nd. Organizations should begin preparing now to avoid potential disruptions when these requirements are incorporated into contracts. Prime contractors may also begin pushing these requirements to their supply chains, making preparation critical for all stakeholders in the DIB.”

CMMC compliance addresses growing cybersecurity risks within the DIB, which includes approximately 300,000 contractors and subcontractors. By establishing clear, measurable standards for protecting FCI and CUI, the framework aims to safeguard national security and reduce vulnerabilities across the supply chain.

As both a Registered Practitioner Organization (RPO) and a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO), Edwards is among the organizations authorized to support contractors preparing for CMMC assessments. These roles include offering readiness evaluations and other pre-assessment services to assist contractors in meeting compliance standards.

Looking Ahead

With its focus on protecting sensitive data, CMMC represents a significant step forward in addressing cybersecurity threats across the DIB. For organizations working with the DoD, compliance will be a critical factor in maintaining eligibility for contracts under the new framework. For more information on how to navigate the CMMC framework and ensure readiness for upcoming assessments, contact Edwards Performance Solutions at Info@EdwPS.com.