The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) was built to safeguard sensitive unclassified The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) was built to safeguard sensitive unclassified information across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) by addressing the gaps in prior regulatory requirements.
CMMC 2.0 Overview
The new version (CMMC 2.0) focuses on the most advanced cybersecurity standards while minimizing barriers to compliance. Now is the time to start your company’s assessment. As we get closer to implementation, it will be more difficult to get the assistance you need.
CMMC Director Stacy Bostjanik announced that the CMMC 2.0 interim rule will likely come into effect in May 2023 and will go into contracts 60 days later, in July 2023. Updated contracts will be phased in between 2023 and 2026, and while organizations can make their best guess on what level they will fall into, anyone who handles CUI should plan to be compliant with at least Level 2 by July 2023.
CMMC 2.0 Plans to:
- Focus on the most critical requirements
- Align with widely accepted standards like NIST 800-171 gap analysis
- Decrease assessment costs
- Increase oversight of third-party assessors
- Offer a flexible implementation timetable
Managed with a Combination of Cybersecurity Standards and Best Practices:
- Protect sensitive data to enable and protect all parties
- Dynamically improve DIB cybersecurity to meet evolving threats
- Ensure accountability while minimizing barriers to compliance with DoD requirements
- Contribute to instilling a cooperative culture of cybersecurity and cyber stability
- Maintain public trust through high professional and ethical standards
Maturity Level Guidelines
CMMC 2.0 further streamlines the maturity model by reducing it from five to three levels of compliance. The framework requires a systematic approach to certification mapped to three organizational maturity levels:
Foundational | Advanced | Expert
Image Source: Acquisition & Sustainment – Office of the Under Secretary of Defense
Level 1 – Foundational
Allows organizations to conduct self-assessments against FAR 52.204-21.
Level 2 – Advanced
Includes 110 practices (reduced from 130) from NIST SP 800-171 and allows for self-assessment for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) but requires a Certified Third Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) to conduct assessments when working with sensitive controlled information.
Level 3 – Expert
Requires CMMC 2.0 L2 C3PAO certification, adds NIST SP 800-172, and requires an assessment from the DoD when working with the most sensitive controlled information.
Impact on Government Contractors
Impact on Government Contractors
Government contractors will initially see DoD requirements to satisfy Maturity Levels 1 and 2 for anyone handling FCI or CUI. Most contractors will need to certify first at Maturity Level 1 and then at Maturity Level 2. Maturity Level 3 will be required for organizations working with the most sensitive CUI or confidential data; however, it will be required to first certify at Maturity Level 1 and Maturity Level 2 before Maturity Level 3.
Maturity Level requirements will be outlined in contracts and flow down only to subcontractors working with the controlled information. Therefore, knowing what type of data you are storing is essential. Once an organization is CMMC certified, the certification is expected to be valid for three years.
For large and especially for small businesses involved in government contracts, this means a heightened emphasis on understanding the exact nature of the data they manage. Federal procurement processes will require these businesses to ensure their cybersecurity measures are robust and align with the new CMMC 2.0 standards. Compliance with these standards is not just a regulatory hurdle but a crucial step towards securing high-profile government contracts, especially for defense department contracts and other IT-related government procurement opportunities.
Failure to comply can lead to the loss of contracts or the inability to bid on future government projects, thereby affecting the business’s bottom line and growth potential within the federal market.
Steps to Prepare for CMMC 2.0 Compliance
Step 1
Identify and classify the type of data you store to support existing or new contract awards.
Step 2
Understand the Maturity Level your firm will likely need to satisfy based on the type of data you store and identify the gaps that could prevent achieving certification.
Step 3
If you are unsure and work with CUI, start with Maturity Level 2, based on the 110 controls from NIST 800-171.
Step 4
Make sure you have the documentation of formalized processes and controls.
Step 5
Be familiar with all the essential definitions and compliance standards that make up CMMC 2.0.
You can take an additional step to ensure CMMC 2.0 compliance by closely examining networks and procedures within your business. Conducting a third-party readiness assessment will determine whether your organization is prepared to meet the appropriate Maturity Level regarding system setups and processes or whether it is inadequate or does not entirely meet the defined requirements.
Those seeking CMMC 2.0 compliance must prove their ability to report on how they will detect, alert, and respond to system and data threats. This proactive approach will not only ensure compliance but also enhance the overall cybersecurity posture of the business, making it a more attractive partner in the federal procurement space.Those seeking CMMC 2.0 compliance must prove their ability to report on how they will detect, alert, and respond to system and data threats.Those seeking CMMC 2.0 compliance must prove their ability to report on how they will detect, alert and respond to system and data threats.
Free Resources for CMMC 2.0 Compliance
Unlock the full potential of your CMMC 2.0 compliance journey with these valuable resources. Whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your knowledge, we have you covered. Dive in and get ahead of the game!
Pre-Assessment Resources
Meet with a Cyber Team
Kickstart your compliance journey by meeting with our experienced cyber team. This free consultation will provide you with tailored advice and insights into CMMC requirements.
Attend CMMC Classes
Enhance your understanding of CMMC 2.0 by participating in our comprehensive training sessions. These classes are designed to equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the certification process confidently.
Empower your government contracting abilities with these resources and take proactive steps towards achieving CMMC 2.0 compliance. Your journey to securing high-profile government contracts starts here!
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